Since the higher ranks of General of the Army and General of the Air Force have been reserved for significant wartime use only (in modern times were recreated for World War II), the rank of general is usually the highest general officer rank in the modern forces.
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 the general temperature at night in the desert.
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 or things in the main; common to most; usual: the general mood of the people.
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.
Discover everything about the word "GENERAL" in English: meanings, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one comprehensive guide.
Definition of general adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
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 general resemblance one to another.