How Do You Spell GENERAL?

Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈɛnəɹə͡l] (IPA)

The word "general" has a tricky spelling, with some letters that are silent or pronounced differently than expected. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word can be spelled /ˈdʒɛnərəl/. The letter "g" is pronounced as /dʒ/ while the letter "e" is pronounced as "ɛ". The second "e" is silent and the letter "a" is pronounced as /ə/. Finally, the letter "l" is pronounced using a dark /r/ sound. Despite the odd spelling, the word "general" is commonly used in everyday language to refer to a leader or commanding officer.

GENERAL Meaning and Definition

  1. General is an adjective with multiple meanings. Firstly, it refers to something that is widespread or prevalent in terms of scope or extent. It describes an object, idea, or concept that is broad, all-encompassing, or applicable to a wide range of situations or individuals. It is often used to denote something that is true or valid in most cases, or without specific restrictions or limitations.

    Secondly, general is used to express something that pertains to a whole group or category rather than being specific or individualized. It can refer to a collective or overall characteristic of a group, community, or society rather than focusing on any particular member or detail. This usage highlights the general consensus, opinion, or sentiment shared among the majority rather than the exception.

    In military terms, general denotes a rank or position higher than the specific or specialized roles within a particular branch of armed forces. A general holds a high command or leadership position responsible for strategizing, directing, and overseeing operations across a wide area or group of units.

    Furthermore, general can also function as a noun to describe a person or entity who possesses or displays characteristics or qualities that are widespread or typical. It can refer to an average or common individual lacking particular distinction or uniqueness, or simply someone who lacks specialized knowledge or expertise in a specific field.

    Overall, the term general encompasses the notions of all-encompassing, widespread, collective, high-ranking, and non-specific.

  2. • Relating to a whole class or order; not special or particular; public; common; extensive; usual.
    • The whole; the total; the chief commander of an army; the commander of a division.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for GENERAL *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for GENERAL

Etymology of GENERAL

The word "general" is derived from the Latin word "generalis", which was a combination of "genus" meaning "kind" or "sort" and the suffix "-alis" indicating "pertaining to". The original meaning of "generalis" was "pertaining to a whole kind or class". This Latin term was later adopted into Old French as "general", and eventually made its way into Middle English.

Idioms with the word GENERAL

  • in general The idiom "in general" refers to a situation or statement that applies to the majority or most typical instances of something. It implies a broad or overall perspective, without precise consideration of specific details or exceptions.
  • the general run (of something) The general run (of something) refers to the typical or average quality, type, or character of something. It denotes the most common or prevalent form or kind of a particular thing. It implies the usual or ordinary standard or pattern.
  • armchair general The idiom "armchair general" refers to someone who offers opinions or criticism about military tactics, strategies, or operations from the comfort and safety of their own home or workplace, without having any actual experience or understanding of the realities of war or the challenges faced by military personnel. It is often used to describe someone who speaks confidently about military matters without having any practical knowledge or firsthand involvement.
  • as a (general) rule The idiom "as a (general) rule" means that something is generally true or typically followed in most situations. It implies that there may be exceptions or specific cases where the rule does not hold, but overall, it serves as a guiding principle or standard.
  • caviar to the general The idiom "caviar to the general" refers to something that is too extravagant, sophisticated, or refined for the average person or general public to appreciate or understand. It implies that the particular thing or experience is too exclusive, highbrow, or luxurious to be enjoyed or desired by the ordinary masses.
  • the common/general ˈrun (of something)
  • the common, general, ordinary, usual run (of something) This idiom refers to the typical or average examples of something, without any unique or exceptional qualities. It represents the standard or usual type or standard level of quality associated with a particular thing.
  • the common/general run The common/general run is used to refer to the average or typical group of people or things. It suggests a standard or usual representation of a particular category or classification.

Similar spelling words for GENERAL

Plural form of GENERAL is GENERALS

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