The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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generic

adjective

/ʤəˈnɛrɪk

IPA:

Dictionary definition of generic

Lacking specific individual characteristics or not distinctive in nature.
"The software had a generic interface that was easy to use."

Detailed meaning of generic

It often refers to items, products, or concepts that are common, standard, and widely applicable across various contexts. When something is called "generic," it typically means it is not uniquely branded, customized, or tailored to a particular brand or identity. For instance, generic medication refers to pharmaceuticals that are chemically equivalent to brand-name drugs but are sold without a specific brand label. In everyday language, "generic" can also be used more broadly to describe anything that is ordinary, commonplace, or lacks unique qualities, making it indistinguishable from similar items or ideas of its kind. In summary, "generic" conveys a sense of universality or commonality, often devoid of distinctiveness or customization.

Example sentences containing generic

1. The store brand cereal comes in a generic box with no frills.
2. His generic response, lacking personalization, didn't resonate.
3. The medication has a more affordable generic alternative.
4. The office decor felt uninspired, with generic furnishings.
5. The computer's wallpaper was a bland, generic nature scene.
6. The email started with a generic, "Hello there."
7. The supermarket offers a range of generic brand products.

History and etymology of generic

The adjective 'generic' traces its etymological roots to the Latin word 'genericus,' which is derived from 'genus,' meaning 'kind' or 'class.' This etymology aptly encapsulates the essence of the word, as 'generic' is used to describe something that lacks specific individual characteristics or is not distinctive in nature. It implies membership in a broader category or class, rather than possessing unique or distinguishing features. The word's origins in Latin highlight the idea of belonging to a particular kind or class, emphasizing the generic nature of something that is characteristic of a larger group, without specific differentiation.

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Further usage examples of generic

1. The movie's plot felt formulaic and overly generic.
2. The website's font choice seemed uninspired and generic.
3. The building's architecture was disappointingly generic, lacking character.
4. His outfit was unimpressive, with generic clothing items.
5. The store played generic, elevator-style background music.
6. The car's design was unremarkable, a typical, generic sedan.
7. The software featured a generic, user-friendly interface.
8. The apartment had a generic layout with no unique features.
9. The advertisement relied on generic stock photos, lacking creativity.
10. The speech was filled with generic, overused clichés.
11. Her art, though technically skilled, felt somewhat generic.
12. The product packaging was plain and unadorned, very generic.
13. The song had a generic melody and generic lyrics, lacking originality.
14. The store brand products were labeled as generic.
15. The medicine was available in a generic form.
16. The store sells generic versions of popular snacks.
17. The generic design of the building made it blend in with others on the street.
18. The clothing brand was known for their generic style.
19. The store's generic packaging was plain and unremarkable.
20. The generic term for the item was used to refer to all similar items.
21. The product was sold under a generic name that did not indicate its purpose.
22. The movie's generic plot was predictable and unoriginal.
23. The store's generic brand of detergent was just as effective as the name brand.
24. The store's generic greeting card selection lacked personalized messages.