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Generic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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generic

[dʒəˈnɛrɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

product description

Characteristic of or relating to a class or group of things; not specific.

Synonyms

common, general, universal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
generic

When referring to something standard, not specific, or not brand-name. Often used in contexts like products, medicines, or categories.

  • Many people prefer buying generic medicines as they are cheaper.
  • Can you use a more generic password?
general

Appropriate when discussing something broad, not detailed, or applicable in many situations. Often used to summarize or provide an overview.

  • In general, children should eat a balanced diet.
  • The meeting covered general company policies.
common

Used when describing something that occurs frequently, is widespread, or is well-known. It's often used in everyday situations.

  • It's common for students to feel nervous before exams.
  • Owning a smartphone is very common these days.
universal

Best used when something applies to everyone or everything without exception. This word carries a sense of total inclusivity and broad application.

  • Kindness is a universal language.
  • Gravity is a universal force affecting all objects.

Examples of usage

  • This is a generic brand of cereal.
  • She prefers the generic version of the medication.
Context #2 | Noun

computing

A type of class or interface that can be used with any data type.

Synonyms

parametric, polymorphic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
generic

Used when referring to something that is not specific to any particular case, often contrasted with specialized or specific items.

  • The recipe gave a generic name to the herb, not specifying a particular type.
  • She bought a generic brand of pasta since it was cheaper.
parametric

Used mainly in mathematical, statistical, or technical fields to describe systems or models that are defined and altered by parameters.

  • Parametric equations were used to describe the curve.
  • The design of the study is parametric, relying on specified variables.
polymorphic

Commonly used in computing and biology, describing entities that can take on multiple forms or types.

  • In object-oriented programming, a polymorphic function can operate on different data types.
  • Certain insects have polymorphic traits allowing them to adapt to various environments.

Examples of usage

  • In Java, generic types allow for the creation of classes that work with different data types.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Marketing

  • Generic products, often less expensive, are usually marketed without a brand name compared to their branded counterparts.
  • In some areas, the term refers to products that are indistinguishable in quality but cheaper due to fewer marketing costs.

Science

  • In pharmaceuticals, a generic drug is one that is equivalent to a branded one in dosage and effectiveness but sold under its chemical name.
  • Generic terms are used in biology to classify organisms, helping scientists group species based on shared characteristics.

Literature

  • Generic conventions in literature refer to the typical features or elements found in a particular genre, like romance or horror.
  • Many authors play with generic expectations to create surprise or new meanings in their works.

Pop Culture

  • In the world of fashion, a 'generic' style often means something that follows trends without offering originality.
  • Movies can also be generic in plot, using common tropes that make them predictable but popular among audiences.

Origin of 'generic'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'genus', meaning kind or type, which emphasizes the idea of general categories.
  • In English, it was first used in the 16th century to refer to a general class of things or groups.

The word 'generic' originated from the Latin word 'genericus', which means 'pertaining to a kind or class'. It has been used in English since the late 17th century to describe things that are not specific or unique, but rather general or common. In modern usage, 'generic' is commonly used in product descriptions to refer to items that are not branded or trademarked.

See also: genre.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,096 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.