general

adj

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *ǵenh₁- Proto-Indo-European *-os Proto-Indo-European *ǵénh₁os Proto-Italic *genos Latin genus, generis Proto-Indo-European *h₂el-der.? Proto-Italic *-ālis Latin -ālis Latin generālisbor. Anglo-Norman generalbor. Middle French generalbor. ▲ Latin generālisder. Middle English general English general From Middle English general, in turn from Anglo-Norman general, generall, Middle French general, and their source, Latin generālis, from genus (“class, kind”) + -ālis (“-al”).

1. Including or involving every part or member of a given or implied entity, whole, etc.; common to all, universal.

   “It is generall / To be mortall: / I haue well espyde / No man may hym hyde / From Deth holow eyed […].”

   “"Among us!" was the general shout, and Peppersorn sat frozen to his chair.”

2. Applied to a person (as a postmodifier or a normal preceding adjective) to indicate supreme rank, in civil or military titles, and later in other terms; pre-eminent.

   “For these successes he obtained the rank of Field-Marshal General.”

   “He becomes the chief chartered libertine, the whoremaster-general flourishing his "standard" over a female army […].”

3. Prevalent or widespread among a given class or area; common, usual.

   “‘I can't quite afford you the sympathy you expect upon this score,’ I replied; ‘the misfortune is so general, that it belongs to one half of the species […].’”

   “The general opinion on Baz Luhrmann's overstuffed epic Australia seems to be that it throws in everything but the kitchen sink, and then tosses that in too, just to be sure.”

4. Not limited in use or application; applicable across a broad range.

   “M. Venizelos went to Athens from Paris early last January in response to a general invitation from the Greek populace.”

   “Already in the primary school work is conducted for the purpose of equipping the pupils with those elements of general knowledge which are closely related to the military preparation of future warriors.”

5. Giving or consisting of only the most important aspects of something, ignoring minor details; indefinite.

   “As she thus spoke, the entrance of the servants with dinner cut off all conversation but that of a general nature.”

   “There was a moment's pause. The Princess broke in with some casual remark and once more the conversation became general.”

6. Not of a specific class; miscellaneous.

   “general goods”

   “His measured, springless walk was the walk of the skilled countryman as distinct from the desultory shamble of the general labourer […].”

adv

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *ǵenh₁- Proto-Indo-European *-os Proto-Indo-European *ǵénh₁os Proto-Italic *genos Latin genus, generis Proto-Indo-European *h₂el-der.? Proto-Italic *-ālis Latin -ālis Latin generālisbor. Anglo-Norman generalbor. Middle French generalbor. ▲ Latin generālisder. Middle English general English general From Middle English general, in turn from Anglo-Norman general, generall, Middle French general, and their source, Latin generālis, from genus (“class, kind”) + -ālis (“-al”).

1. In a general or collective manner or sense; in most cases; upon the whole.

name

1. Ellipsis of General Hospital.

   “The ambulance is taking him to General. Owerri West General Hospital or Owerri North? Obinze is still in charge of West General. If it's that one, turn it around now.”

noun

1. Alternative letter-case form of general in its various senses.

   “You're going to have to tell that to the president yourself, General.”

   “General Polk stated, with all respect to General Bragg’s great abilities in the direction of organization and discipline, that he had been wanting in the higher elements of generalship in the conduct of the campaign; and that, in view of the admitted possibilities of the campaign, he considered it a failure—an opinion, he said, he believed Generals Smith and Hardee shared with him. He further said that General Bragg had lost the confidence of his generals, and, in answer to a suggestion from the President of a change of commanders, requested that General Joseph E. Johnston should be assigned to the command of the army, if a change were made.”

verb

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *ǵenh₁- Proto-Indo-European *-os Proto-Indo-European *ǵénh₁os Proto-Italic *genos Latin genus, generis Proto-Indo-European *h₂el-der.? Proto-Italic *-ālis Latin -ālis Latin generālisbor. Anglo-Norman generalbor. Middle French generalbor. ▲ Latin generālisder. Middle English general English general From Middle English general, in turn from Anglo-Norman general, generall, Middle French general, and their source, Latin generālis, from genus (“class, kind”) + -ālis (“-al”).

1. To lead (soldiers) as a general.

   “Generalled by Mrs. Hauksbee, who, again, had all Mrs. Mallowe's wisdom at her disposal, proud of himself and, in the end, believing in himself because he was believed in, Otis Yeere stood ready for any fortune that might befall, certain that it would be good.”