How to pronounce general
Say it like JEN-uh-rul. General has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (JEN).
- JEN
- uh
- rul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
General pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- JENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- rulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of general
American and British speakers say general in essentially the same way: /ˈdʒɛnərəl/ in the US and /ˈdʒɛnərəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: JEN-uh-rul.
What does general mean?
- Including or involving every part or member of a given or implied entity, whole, etc.; common to all, universal.
- 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.
- Prevalent or widespread among a given class or area; common, usual.
- The 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.”
- A great strategist or tactician.“Hannibal was one of the greatest generals of the ancient world.”
- The head of certain religious orders, especially Dominicans or Jesuits.
- To lead (soldiers) as a general.
Where does general come from?
From Middle English general, in turn from Anglo-Norman general, generall, Middle French general, and their source, Latin generālis, from genus (“class, kind”) + -ālis (“-al”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying general
How do you pronounce general?
Say JEN-uh-rul. The American pronunciation is /ˈdʒɛnərəl/. In British English it is /ˈdʒɛnərəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in general?
General has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (JEN). Broken into parts: JEN · uh · rul.
Do Americans and Brits say general the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdʒɛnərəl/ and the British form is /ˈdʒɛnərəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.