English Lexicon

General-Purpose

/ˈdʒɛn.ər.əl ˈpɜːr.pəs/
adjectiveCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As adjective
  1. 1

    Designed to be used for a variety of purposes rather than for a specific one.

    "A general-purpose computer can perform many different tasks, from word processing to gaming."
  2. 2

    Applicable in multiple contexts or situations.

    "General-purpose software is versatile and can be utilized in various industries."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'general-purpose' is derived from the combination of 'general', which comes from the Latin 'generalis', meaning 'pertaining to a whole class', and 'purpose', originating from the Old French 'porpos', meaning 'intention or aim'. The phrase has evolved to describe tools or systems designed for a wide range of uses rather than specialized functions.

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