The meaning of GENERAL is involving, applicable to, or affecting the whole. How to use general in a sentence.

If you talk about the general situation somewhere or talk about something in general terms, you are describing the situation as a whole rather than considering its details or exceptions.

GENERAL meaning: 1. involving or relating to most or all people, things, or places, especially when these are…. Learn more.

1. of, pertaining to, or affecting all persons or things belonging to a group, category, or system: a general meeting of members; a general amnesty. 2. of, pertaining to, or true of such persons …

General comes from the French word générale, which means "common to all people," but we use it for more than just people. You might inquire about the general habits of schoolchildren, or …

There are 37 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word general, nine of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

considering or dealing with overall characteristics, universal aspects, or important elements, esp. without considering all details or specific aspects: general instructions; a general description; a …