English
in general
In general comes from Middle English in general.
- Middle Englishc. 1150–1500in general
- Englishearliest quotation c. 1601same form
attested reconstructed ? uncertain or disputed
Lineage
- Middle Englishc. 1150–1500in general
- Englishearliest quotation c. 1601same form
Earliest quotation: c. 1601, William Shakespeare, Troilus and Cressida: “Yet is the kindness but particular; ’Twere better she…”
Every English word from Middle English in general
Today it means
prep_phrase In the general case; without further assumption; without qualification; in all respects.
Language periods are conventional ranges, not dates for this word.
Etymograph / Middle English in general / in general