The phrase "general delivery" is commonly used to refer to a service provided by the postal service wherein incoming mail is held at the post office for pickup by the recipient. The spelling of this phrase in English is straightforward, with each word sounding as it is spelled - /ˈdʒɛnərəl/ and /dɪˈlɪvəri/. It is important to note that the stress is on the first syllable of "general" and the second syllable of "delivery". This information can be helpful when using the phrase in conversation or when searching for it online or in a dictionary.
General delivery refers to a postal service arrangement that allows individuals to receive mail at a post office or another postal facility even if they do not have a specific mailing address. In this system, mail is addressed to a specific individual but is held at the post office for the recipient to collect using their identification.
This service is particularly beneficial for individuals who may not have a permanent address, such as those who are transient, homeless, or living in temporary accommodation. General delivery can also be used by people who are temporarily away from their registered address and need to receive mail while they are gone.
To use general delivery, the individual would address their mail with the recipient's name, followed by the phrase "General Delivery" and the specific post office or postal facility's address. Upon arrival of the mail, the post office will hold it for a certain period of time, allowing the recipient to collect it in person. The recipient must present proper identification, such as a driver's license or passport, to verify their identity and claim the mail.
Overall, general delivery offers a secure and convenient method for individuals without a permanent address to receive important mail and packages through their local post office.
The term "general delivery" has its etymology rooted in postal services. It originated as a designation for a service where mail can be addressed to a specific post office rather than a specific recipient. The term "general" signifies that the post can be delivered to anyone who comes to claim it, rather than being addressed to a particular individual. This postal service was particularly useful in areas where people did not have a permanent mailing address. Over time, "general delivery" became a common term to describe this type of mail service.