general guideline
/ˈdʒɛnərəl ˈɡaɪdlaɪn/noun phrase★Intermediate
formal
a broad recommendation or principle that provides direction but allows flexibility in application
Follow these general guidelines when designing the project.
Use these broad recommendations as a starting point for your project design.
The manual includes general guidelines for safe operation.
The manual provides broad recommendations for operating safely.
💡
These guidelines are not strict rules but rather flexible recommendations.
Collocations
follow general guidelinesadhere to broad recommendationsprovide general guidelinesoffer broad recommendations
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
best practicephrase
a recommended way of doing something
standard procedurephrase
an established way of doing something
💡Pro Tip
Flexibility
General guidelines allow for adaptation to specific situations.
⚡Gold Rule
Clarity
Ensure guidelines are clear but not overly restrictive.
📖Word Origin
Combination of 'general' (broad, overall) and 'guideline' (a recommendation or principle).
📝Usage Notes
Used in formal contexts to describe flexible recommendations rather than strict rules.
Word Breakdown
general
broad, overall
adjectiveguideline
a recommendation or principle
nounEnglish Dictionary