globalement
/ɡlɔ.bal.mɑ̃/
The English word 'overall' can be translated into French as globalement or en général.
Meaning: generally (adv)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| globalement | /ɡlɔ.bal.mɑ̃/ |
| en général | /ɑ̃ ʒe.ne.ʁal/ |
You may also encounter related adjectives like global or total to mean 'all-encompassing', or nouns such as blouse, combinaison or salopette when referring to protective garments worn over clothing.
Which one should you use?
While both terms mean 'overall', globalement is more formal and is frequently used in analytical or statistical contexts. In contrast, en général is the most common way to say 'generally' or 'overall' in everyday conversation.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word globalement has three syllables and is pronounced /ɡlɔ.bal.mɑ̃/.
Did you know?
- In social contexts, using en général to describe people can sound like you are making a stereotype, whereas the English 'overall' sounds more neutral.
- The word général shares its deep ancestral roots with the English word 'kin', as both derive from the Proto-Indo-European root *ǵenh₁- meaning 'to produce' or 'beget'.
- The French adverbial suffix -ment is a direct functional match to the English suffix '-ly', allowing you to transform an adjective into an adverb effortlessly.
Examples in context
- Le bilan des pays communistes est globalement positif.The assessment of communist countries is positive overall.This sentence illustrates how globalement is used to provide an overall assessment of a situation.Tatoeba #435390 by Clavain, translation #435392 by Clavain
- Globalement, le projet est une réussiteOverall, the project is a success.
- Dans l'ensemble, je suis satisfaitOverall, I am satisfied.
- En somme, la situation est encourageanteOverall, the situation is encouraging.
- Le film était bien, en grosThe movie was good, overall.
- Au final, c'était une bonne soiréeOverall, it was a good evening.
- Le projet est globalement une réussite.The project is overall a success.
- Il fait globalement beau aujourd'hui.It is generally nice weather today.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are discussing a recent film they watched.
- HugoTu as aimé le film ?Did you like the movie?
- ChloéOui, c'était globalement très bon.Yes, it was overall very good.
- HugoMême si l'histoire était un peu longue ?Even if the story was a bit long?
- ChloéOui, mais l'acteur était excellent.Yes, but the actor was excellent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “overall” translations and entries globalement, en général, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, globalement, général, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
