general vs particular vs special

Definitions

adjective

1. not specialized or limited to one class of things
2. applying to all or most members of a category or group
3. affecting the entire body
4. somewhat indefinite
5. of worldwide scope or applicability

verb

1. command as a general

noun

1. a fact about the whole (as opposed to particular)
2. a general officer of the highest rank
3. the head of a religious order or congregation

Examples

In my view his confrontational, gladiatorial style has been a major contributor to the widespread disdain of the British public for politicians generally.

They are trying to rush through the draft resolution before the general election.

Burke's execution was witnessed by the novelist Sir Walter Scott, who sympathized with the general opinion that both men's wives had served as accomplices, and that the anatomists had been accessories to the murders.

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Definitions

adjective

1. surpassing what is common or usual or expected
2. first and most important
3. providing specific details or circumstances
4. exacting especially about details
5. unique or specific to a person or thing or category

noun

1. (logic) a proposition that asserts something about some (but not all) members of a class
2. a fact about some part (as opposed to general)
3. a small part that can be considered separately from the whole

Examples

What we do not know are the precise weighting of factors that go into why prices increase at any particular time.

Pay particular attention to zoning in each of the alternatives proposed for your area.

The BBC never tires of telling us how passionately it seeks the interest and participation of the public in its political output, particularly the young.

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