This is the 1243rd most frequent Russian word.
общем
"Общем" means "in general" or "overall."
The word 'общем' is used here to mean 'in conclusion' or 'to sum up', summarizing the preceding deliberations or considerations.
В общем, мы решили пойти в кино.
In conclusion, we decided to go to the cinema.
In this sentence, 'в общем-то' is used in the sense of 'generally speaking', suggesting an overview or generalization without delving into specifics.
У них, в общем-то, всё в порядке.
They, generally speaking, are fine.
Here, 'в общем и целом' means 'all in all' or 'overall', providing a summary evaluation of the situation.