generalinis

Generalinis is an adjective in Lithuanian used to indicate general or overarching status and to form compound titles for high-ranking offices. It is commonly found in government, military, and international organization terminology, where it prefixes the noun to denote a top-level or chief role. For example, generalinis prokuroras denotes the Attorney General, and generalinis sekretorius corresponds to the Secretary-General. The form mirrors the Lithuanian pattern of creating official titles by pairing an adjective with the role name.

Etymology and grammar: The term derives from the Latin generalis through its adaptation in Lithuanian, with the masculine singular ending -inis. It functions as a descriptor in formal titles, agreeing with the head noun in gender and number (for instance, generalinis sekretorius or generalinė sekretorė). In everyday language, generalinis can also describe general or overarching aspects of a policy or institution, though such uses are less formal.

Usage and context: In Lithuanian official texts, the compound usually signals a formal, top-tier position rather than a generic adjective. Lithuanian translations of international titles are often calqued, preserving the generalinis prefix to convey authority and scope.

See also: General, Attorney General, Secretary-General, Lithuanian titles and official terminology.