généraux

Généraux is the French term for general officers and designates high-ranking military leaders in French-speaking armed forces. The word can refer to individual officers holding the rank or to the corps of general officers as a group. In France and many Francophone militaries, the ranking sequence typically includes général de brigade, général de division, and général de corps d’armée, with général d’armée (and in some systems the rank of maréchal) at the higher end. The precise duties and insignia vary by country, but généraux generally command large formations or occupy senior staff positions within armies, navies, or air forces, and may serve in defense ministries or joint commands.

Etymology and history: Général derives from Latin generalis, meaning “relating to the whole.” The rank evolved in the medieval and early modern periods as armies adopted more formalized hierarchies, leading to distinct levels of seniority such as brigade, division, and corps commands. Throughout modern history, généraux have played central roles in campaigns, planning, and leadership, and some have become prominent political figures, exemplified by individuals like Napoléon Bonaparte and Charles de Gaulle.

Variants and equivalents: In non-Francophone contexts, the closest equivalents are brigadier general, major general, lieutenant general, and general, with country-specific duties and insignia. The plural form in French is généraux; in English-language sources the word is generally rendered as generals. The term also appears, less commonly, as an adjective meaning broad or general in non-military uses, though this is separate from the rank sense.