General Meaning
General Definition & Usage
Referring to something that is not detailed or specific, but covers a wide range or applies in a broad sense.
Examples
- "The general idea behind the proposal is to improve customer satisfaction."
- "He gave a general overview of the situation but didn’t provide any specifics."
- "We need to discuss the general outline before diving into the specifics."
- "The general public was unaware of the changes until they were implemented."
- "She made a general statement about the company’s future plans."
A military officer of high rank, typically above the rank of colonel and in charge of a large unit or group of soldiers.
Examples
- "The general led his troops into battle with great courage and determination."
- "After years of service, he was promoted to the rank of general."
- "The general addressed the nation in a live broadcast during the war."
- "He met with the general to discuss the strategy for the upcoming campaign."
- "The general’s leadership was crucial in securing a victory."
In charge of or overseeing a broad or non-specialized group or organization.
Examples
- "He is the general manager of the company, responsible for overall operations."
- "The general counsel of the corporation advised on the legal matters."
- "As a general supervisor, she oversees all the department’s activities."
- "The general secretary of the association sent out the meeting agenda."
- "A general administrator would manage the operations across all divisions."
Cultural Context
The word 'general' comes from the Old French 'generel' and Latin 'generalis', which means 'of a whole kind' or 'pertaining to a group or class'. It is used in a variety of contexts, from describing high-ranking military officials to referring to broad concepts. It is used frequently in both formal and informal settings to describe things that are not specific or are large in scope.
The General's Decision
Story
The General's Decision
General Marcus stood at the front of the map, tracing his fingers across the lines that defined his next move. The battlefield was vast, the stakes high. But Marcus was known for his general approach to leadership—never focusing too much on the details, always keeping an eye on the bigger picture. His troops trusted him, not because of his attention to the minutiae of their daily operations, but because he understood the general principles of warfare. That afternoon, his second-in-command, Colonel Anderson, approached him with a series of tactical reports. 'General,' Anderson said, 'These are the specifics we've gathered on enemy movements. Should we adjust our plans accordingly?' Marcus sighed, shaking his head. 'No, Anderson. We’ve discussed this. The general strategy remains unchanged. We will strike when the time is right.' His words were clear—he would not be swayed by the small, immediate changes. His decisions were rooted in a broader vision. Later that evening, as the soldiers prepared for their mission, a young officer named Turner approached Marcus with a more personal question. 'General, I’ve been reading about your leadership. How do you decide what’s best for the army in moments like this?' Marcus smiled, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. 'Well, Turner, it’s not always about the specific details. It’s about understanding the general conditions, the overall situation. Sometimes, it’s knowing when to move forward and when to hold back.' As the battle began the next day, General Marcus’s broad vision proved invaluable. While others focused on immediate, smaller conflicts, he kept his eyes on the larger strategy, ensuring that his forces stayed one step ahead. The mission was a success, not because of perfect tactics, but because of his ability to see the general picture, to keep everything connected, even when the details were unclear. The soldiers cheered, and as Marcus looked over them, he knew his role as a leader was more than just the military rank—he was the general who understood both the broad and the specific, leading them all to victory.
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