Generic
/dʒəˈnɛrɪk/
Definitions
2 meaningsRelating to or characteristic of a whole group or class; not specific to any one thing.
/dʒəˈnɛrɪk/
Relating to a whole group or class; not specific
The generic term for all types of fruit is 'produce'.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're describing a type of car, like a 'sedan.' Generic means you're just talking about all sedans, not a specific brand or model. Like, you could say 'I want a generic sedan' instead of saying, 'I want a Honda Accord.'
👶 For kids: Something is generic if it's a general type and not a specific one. Like saying 'dog' instead of 'Golden Retriever'.
More Examples
Instead of using the brand name, she bought the generic version of the pain reliever.
The software provides a generic solution for data analysis, adaptable to various datasets.
How It's Used
"The store offers both brand-name and generic medications."
"The term 'mammal' is a generic classification."
A product that is not protected by a trademark; sold without a brand name.
/dʒəˈnɛrɪk/
Not protected by trademark; sold without a brand name
The doctor prescribed a generic medication to reduce costs.
💡 Simply: It's like when you buy medicine. The fancy, expensive kind has a brand name, like 'Advil.' The cheaper kind, which is still the same medicine, is called 'generic.' It doesn't have a brand name.
👶 For kids: Something is generic if it does not have a special name, like buying plain sugar instead of a named brand like Domino sugar.
More Examples
The supermarket offered a range of generic food items alongside branded products.
Consumers often choose the generic option for their budget.
How It's Used
"The store sells both name-brand and generic drugs."
From Late Latin *genericus*, from Greek *gennikos* ('of a race or kind'), from *genos* ('race, kind, family, gender').
The word's use increased with the rise of mass production and marketing, encompassing both broad classifications and products without brand distinctions.
Memory tip
Think 'general' - it's a general description, not a specific one.