Overall vs. General: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 2, 2023
"Overall refers to considering everything, the total aspect, while General denotes commonness or the prevalent aspect, lacking detail."
Key Differences
Overall and General are adjectives that often denote inclusivity, but they differ in perspective and application. Overall implies considering all parts, a collective or total viewpoint. It focuses on entirety or wholesomeness. General, on the other hand, pertains to the common, usual, or prevalent nature of things and often lacks specificity or detail, reflecting a broader perspective.
The word Overall, when used, considers all components, elements, or aspects of a subject, giving a comprehensive view. It reflects the cumulative or aggregate viewpoint. For instance, overall performance would consider all aspects of performance. Conversely, General refers to what is common or widespread, not focusing on specifics or details, such as general knowledge, which includes commonly known facts.
In application, Overall might be used to give a conclusive statement or summary that encapsulates all particulars. It provides a holistic view, encompassing all relevant factors. In contrast, General provides an overview or a baseline perspective, reflecting what is typical or ordinary without delving into individual components or unique attributes.
While Overall seeks to sum up, encapsulate, and provide a full picture, considering every component, General serves to outline, sketch, and provide an initial, broad view without focusing on the singularities or peculiarities. In essence, Overall is comprehensive and conclusive, whereas General is broad and introductory.
Comparison Chart
Perspective
Comprehensive, considering all aspects.
Broad, considering common or prevalent aspects.
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Detail Level
High, provides a cumulative view.
Low, provides a widespread view.
Usage
Conclusive summary or total aspect.
Common knowledge or baseline perspective.
Specificity
Specific, considering every component.
Non-specific, considering usual aspects.
Application
Provides a holistic or full picture.
Provides an initial or overall view.
Overall and General Definitions
Overall
Encompassing every part or component.
The overall cost of the project was higher than anticipated.
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General
Involving a broad or widespread view.
The general consensus was positive.
Overall
Reflecting the cumulative or aggregate aspect.
The overall impact was substantial.
General
Concerned with, applicable to, or affecting the whole or every member of a class or category
"subduing all her impressions as a woman, to something more general" (Virginia Woolf).
Overall
Representing a comprehensive or inclusive standpoint.
The overall opinion was favorable.
General
Affecting or characteristic of the majority of those involved; prevalent
General discontent.
Overall
From one end to the other
The overall length of the house.
General
Of or affecting the entire body
General paralysis.
Overall
Including everything; comprehensive
The overall costs of medical care.
General
Being usually the case; true or applicable in most instances but not all
The general correctness of her decisions.
Overall
Regarded as a whole; general
My overall impression was favorable.
General
Not limited in scope, area, or application
As a general rule.
Overall
On the whole; generally
Enjoyed the performance overall.
General
Not limited to or dealing with one class of things; diversified
General studies.
Overall
Chiefly British A loose-fitting protective outer garment; a smock.
General
Involving only the main features rather than precise details
A general grasp of the subject.
Overall
Overalls Loose-fitting pants, usually of strong fabric, with a bib front and shoulder straps, often worn over regular clothing as protection from dirt.
General
Highest or superior in rank
The general manager.
Overall
All-encompassing, all around.
General
A commissioned rank in the US Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps that is above lieutenant general.
Overall
Generally; with everything considered.
General
One who holds this rank or a similar rank in another military organization.
Overall
(British) A garment worn over other clothing to protect it; a coverall or boiler suit. A garment, for manual labor or for casual wear, often made of a single piece of fabric, with long legs and a bib upper, supported from the shoulders with straps, and having several large pockets and loops for carrying tools.
General
A general officer.
Overall
A garment, worn for manual labor, with an integral covering extending to the chest, supported by straps.
General
A statement, principle, or fact that embraces or is applicable to the whole.
Overall
Everywhere.
General
General anesthesia.
Overall
Work clothing consisting of denim trousers (usually with a bib and shoulder straps)
General
(Archaic) The public.
Overall
A loose protective coverall or smock worn over ordinary clothing for dirty work
General
Including or involving every part or member of a given or implied entity, whole etc.; as opposed to specific or particular.
Overall
Involving only main features;
The overall pattern of his life
General
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.
Overall
Including everything;
The overall cost
The total amount owed
General
Prevalent or widespread among a given class or area; common, usual.
Overall
Involving a total perspective or view.
Her overall performance was excellent.
General
Not limited in use or application; applicable to the whole or every member of a class or category.
Overall
Considering all elements or factors.
Overall, the event was a success.
General
Giving or consisting of only the most important aspects of something, ignoring minor details; indefinite.
General
Not limited to a specific class; miscellaneous, concerned with all branches of a given subject or area.
General
A general fact or proposition; a generality.
We have dealt with the generals; now let us turn to the particulars.
General
(military ranks) 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
A great strategist or tactician.
Hannibal was one of the greatest generals of the ancient world.
General
(Christianity) The head of certain religious orders, especially Dominicans or Jesuits.
General
(nautical) A commander of naval forces; an admiral.
General
A general servant; a maid with no specific duties.
General
(countable) A general anesthetic.
General
(uncountable) General anesthesia.
General
The general insurance industry.
I work in general.
General
(xiangqi) A xiangqi piece, that is moved one point orthogonally and confined within the palace.
General
To lead (soldiers) as a general.
General
(obsolete) In a general or collective manner or sense; in most cases; upon the whole.
General
Relating to a genus or kind; pertaining to a whole class or order; as, a general law of animal or vegetable economy.
General
Comprehending many species or individuals; not special or particular; including all particulars; as, a general inference or conclusion.
General
Not restrained or limited to a precise import; not specific; vague; indefinite; lax in signification; as, a loose and general expression.
General
Common to many, or the greatest number; widely spread; prevalent; extensive, though not universal; as, a general opinion; a general custom.
This general applause and cheerful shoutArgue your wisdom and your love to Richard.
General
Having a relation to all; common to the whole; as, Adam, our general sire.
General
As a whole; in gross; for the most part.
His general behavior vain, ridiculous.
General
Usual; common, on most occasions; as, his general habit or method.
General
The whole; the total; that which comprehends or relates to all, or the chief part; - opposed to particular.
In particulars our knowledge begins, and so spreads itself by degrees to generals.
General
One of the chief military officers of a government or country; the commander of an army, of a body of men not less than a brigade. In European armies, the highest military rank next below field marshal.
General
The roll of the drum which calls the troops together; as, to beat the general.
General
The chief of an order of monks, or of all the houses or congregations under the same rule.
General
The public; the people; the vulgar.
General
A general officer of the highest rank
General
The head of a religious order or congregation
General
A fact about the whole (as opposed to particular);
He discussed the general but neglected the particular
He always reasons from the particular to the general
General
Command as a general;
We are generaled by an incompetent!
General
Applying to all or most members of a category or group;
The general public
General assistance
A general rule
In general terms
Comprehensible to the general reader
General
Not specialized or limited to one class of things;
General studies
General knowledge
General
Of national scope;
A general election
General
Prevailing among and common to the general public;
The general discontent
General
Affecting the entire body;
A general anesthetic
General symptoms
General
Somewhat indefinite;
Bearing a general resemblance to the original
A general description of the merchandise
General
Of worldwide scope or applicability;
An issue of cosmopolitan import
The shrewdest political and ecumenical comment of our time
Universal experience
General
Pertaining to the common or usual.
It is a general rule to be polite.
General
Lacking in specificity or detail.
He made a general statement about the situation.
General
Reflecting a prevalent or typical aspect.
The general trend is upward.
General
Denoting an overall or introductory perspective.
It was just a general inquiry.
FAQs
Is Overall more specific than General?
Yes, Overall usually provides a more specific or detailed view, considering all components.
Can Overall reflect an aggregate state?
Yes, Overall can represent a cumulative or aggregate aspect of something.
Does General reflect what is ordinary?
Yes, General typically reflects what is considered ordinary or typical.
Can General refer to common knowledge?
Absolutely, General often denotes what is common or widely known.
Does General always lack detail?
Generally, General implies a broader perspective and may lack detailed specificity.
Can General reflect a prevalent condition?
Yes, General often denotes what is prevalent or widespread.
Is Overall conclusive?
Generally, Overall seeks to give a conclusive or summary view encompassing all aspects.
Does Overall always reflect a total viewpoint?
Yes, Overall typically implies a comprehensive or total perspective.
Can General be synonymous with usual?
Yes, General can be synonymous with what is common or usual.
Can Overall consider every element of a subject?
Yes, Overall aims to provide a comprehensive view considering every element.
Is a General statement non-specific?
Typically, a General statement provides a broad overview without specific details.
Does General provide an initial view?
Yes, General tends to offer an initial, broad view of a subject.
Can General be used to outline subjects?
Yes, General is often used to outline or sketch the broad aspects of subjects.
Is General versatile in its application?
Absolutely, General is a versatile term and can be applied in various contexts.
Does Overall seek to sum up situations?
Indeed, Overall often seeks to sum up or encapsulate situations considering all factors.
Can Overall denote entirety?
Yes, Overall usually denotes the entirety or whole of something.
Can Overall imply a comprehensive standpoint?
Absolutely, Overall often implies a comprehensive or all-encompassing standpoint.
Can Overall provide a holistic perspective?
Yes, Overall aims to provide a holistic or inclusive perspective.
Can General denote an overall category?
Yes, General can denote a broad category or class without detailing the specifics.
Is the application of Overall specific to any field?
No, the application of Overall is versatile and can be used in various fields.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
