You can picture 'general' as looking at the WHOLE rather than the single parts — taking in the big picture instead of the fine details. From 'concerning the whole class, not the one case' come both the everyday adjective (broad, usual, for everyone, not specialized) and the army rank: the General is the officer set over the whole force, not one platoon.
From the word’s history
From Latin generalis 'relating to all, of a whole class' (opposite of specialis 'particular'), from genus 'kind, class'. So 'general' is built on 'of the whole class, not the one specimen' — which feeds both the adjective and the rank (an officer with authority over the whole force).
來自拉丁文 generalis「關於全部、屬於一整類的」(和 specialis「特定的」相對),源自 genus「種類、類別」。所以 general 建在「屬於整類、不是單一一件」這個畫面上——形容詞和「將軍」這個軍階(管整支部隊的軍官)都從這裡長出來。
etymonline.com/word/general
登入就可以看每一支怎麼連回核心畫面。
原始詞典資料22 筆記錄
以下是外部詞典記錄的用法,摘錄並精簡格式,我們還沒有寫成教學內容。上面的說明才是我們自己寫的;有些用法可能上面已經講過了。
Generalnoun
- 1
The title used by a military general, flag rank officer of the military
- General Polk stated, with all respect to General Bragg’s great abilities in the direction of organization and discipline, that he had been wanting in the higher elements of generalship in the conduct of the campaign; and that, in view of the admitted possibilities of the campaign, he considered it a failure—an opinion, he said, he believed Generals Smith and Hardee shared with him. He further said that General Bragg had lost the confidence of his generals, and, in answer to a suggestion from the President of a change of commanders, requested that General Joseph E. Johnston should be assigned to the command of the army, if a change were made.
- The rally was organised to protest against the removal of a statue of General Lee, who commanded the pro-slavery Confederate forces during the American Civil War.
generaladj/ˈd͡ʒɛn.(ə.)ɹəl/
- 1
Including or involving every part or member of a given or implied entity, whole, etc.; common to all, universal.
- It is generall / To be mortall: / I haue well espyde / No man may hym hyde / From Deth holow eyed […].
- "Among us!" was the general shout, and Peppersorn sat frozen to his chair.
- 2
Applied to a person (as a postmodifier or a normal preceding adjective) to indicate supreme rank, in civil or military titles, and later in other terms; pre-eminent.
- For these successes he obtained the rank of Field-Marshal General.
- He becomes the chief chartered libertine, the whoremaster-general flourishing his "standard" over a female army […].
- 3
Prevalent or widespread among a given class or area; common, usual.
- ‘I can't quite afford you the sympathy you expect upon this score,’ I replied; ‘the misfortune is so general, that it belongs to one half of the species […].’
- The general opinion on Baz Luhrmann's overstuffed epic Australia seems to be that it throws in everything but the kitchen sink, and then tosses that in too, just to be sure.
- 4
Not limited in use or application; applicable across a broad range.
- M. Venizelos went to Athens from Paris early last January in response to a general invitation from the Greek populace.
- Already in the primary school work is conducted for the purpose of equipping the pupils with those elements of general knowledge which are closely related to the military preparation of future warriors.
- 5
Giving or consisting of only the most important aspects of something, ignoring minor details; indefinite.
- As she thus spoke, the entrance of the servants with dinner cut off all conversation but that of a general nature.
- There was a moment's pause. The Princess broke in with some casual remark and once more the conversation became general.
- 6
Not of a specific class; miscellaneous.
- general goods
- His measured, springless walk was the walk of the skilled countryman as distinct from the desultory shamble of the general labourer […].
generalnoun/ˈd͡ʒɛn.(ə.)ɹəl/
- 1
governmentmilitarypoliticsThe holder of a senior military title, originally designating the commander of an army and now a specific rank falling under field marshal (in the British army) and below general of the army or general of the air force in the US army and air forces.
- General Eisenhower was the first SACEUR.
- 2
A great strategist or tactician.
- Hannibal was one of the greatest generals of the ancient world.
- 3
archaicA general fact or proposition; a generality.
- We have dealt with the generals; now let us turn to the particulars.
- 4
ChristianityThe head of certain religious orders, especially Dominicans or Jesuits.
- 5
board-gamesgamesxiangqiThe equivalent of a king in Chinese chess, the xiangqi piece that is confined to the palace, moves orthogonally one point at a time, and whose loss decides the game.
- 6
obsoletenauticaltransportSynonym of admiral, a senior naval title, a great naval strategist or tactician.
generalverb/ˈd͡ʒɛn.(ə.)ɹəl/
- 1
To lead (soldiers) as a general.
- Generalled by Mrs. Hauksbee, who, again, had all Mrs. Mallowe's wisdom at her disposal, proud of himself and, in the end, believing in himself because he was believed in, Otis Yeere stood ready for any fortune that might befall, certain that it would be good.
generaladv/ˈd͡ʒɛn.(ə.)ɹəl/
- 1
obsoleteIn a general or collective manner or sense; in most cases; upon the whole.
這個拼法也被記錄為下列字的變化形:
- General Hospital
- general servant
- general election
- general anesthetic
- general anesthesia
- general insurance
摘錄自 英文維基詞典 English Wiktionary,已精簡格式;依 CC BY-SA 4.0 授權使用,改動後的內容同樣以此授權提供。