general purposes

[/ˈdʒɛn.ər.əl ˈpɜr.pəs.ɪz/]
noun phrase
fins gerais; propósitos gerais
1. intended for use in a wide variety of applications or situations rather than for a specific purpose
This software is designed for general purposes, making it suitable for both personal and business use.
Este software é projetado para fins gerais, tornando-o adequado para uso pessoal e comercial.
2. broad or non-specific objectives or intentions
The fund was created for general purposes to support community development.
O fundo foi criado para fins gerais de apoiar o desenvolvimento comunitário.
3. everyday or common uses, not specialized
A general purposes tool can handle most tasks around the house.
Uma ferramenta de fins gerais pode lidar com a maioria das tarefas domésticas.
In Brazilian business and legal contexts, 'fins gerais' is commonly used in contracts and documentation. The phrase is more formal in Portugal than in Brazil, where 'para uso geral' or 'de uso geral' are more colloquial alternatives. In the USA, 'general purpose' is frequently used in product descriptions and software specifications.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
general usecommon purposesbroad purposesstandard purposesmultipurpose
Antonyms / Antônimos
specific purposesspecial purposesparticular purposesspecialized use

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
fins gerais; propósitos gerais; uso geral
most common usage across Brazil
São Paulo
fins gerais
business and formal contexts prefer this term
Rio de Janeiro
propósitos gerais; para uso geral
both terms are equally used
Portugal
fins gerais; para fins gerais
slightly more formal in European Portuguese

Related Words

multipurposeversatileuniversalall-purposeutilityfunctionalityapplicationobjective

Related Idioms & Phrases

for all intents and purposes
general purposes clause
all-purpose tool
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