Words / C1

j-uh-NER-ik/dʒəˈnerɪk/

Generic means typical of a whole class, not of one named thing: generic feedback, a generic painkiller (non-brand). General is looser; specific and particular are opposites. A generic is also a non-brand drug. Do not call a tightly specified protocol generic.

Meaning

Typical of a whole class, not of one particular thing; also, a non-brand product.

Examples

• ““Nice work” is generic feedback; name the clause that failed.”
• ““Well done” is generic; name the paragraph that actually worked.”
• “A generic tablet is the non-brand twin, not a vague one.”

Good to know

Not specific / non-brand. Opposite: specific. Looser cousin: general. Pharmacy: a generic (noun).

Near in meaning

nonspecific

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