Words / B2

JEN-uh-rayt-uh/ˈdʒenəreɪtə/

A generator is a machine that produces electricity: a backup generator; a diesel generator. Generate is the verb (already in the dictionary); dynamo and alternator are close technical twins. The backup generator featured in the outage log; still name the kW rating. Mix-up: generate / generation. Do not write generator for a person who merely “creates ideas” unless the source uses that metaphor.

Meaning

A machine that produces electricity; also something that produces a stated result (a generator of growth).

Examples

• “The backup generator featured in the outage log; still name the kW rating.”
• “A generator of inequality featured in the sociology extract, which is the “producer of a result” sense.”

Good to know

a backup / diesel generator; generator of + noun. Verb: generate. Close: dynamo / alternator. Trap: generation. Physics, geography, and news. A machine that produces electricity, or a producer of a result — specify.

Near in meaning

dynamo, alternator

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