Generic: meaning, definitions and examples

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.