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generically

B2
adverb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /dʒənˈɛrɪkli/

US

  • /dʒəˈnɛrɪkli/

Description

Imagine someone asks what kind of cereal you eat for breakfast. If you reply simply with "cereal," meaning that any basic kind will do, you've answered generically. You are not focusing on the brand or the small details. The broad category is enough to make your point.

"Generically" describes something said, done, or labeled in a general way rather than a specific one. A store might sell products packaged generically, as simple versions of brand-name items. You can also use it when someone speaks without many details, as in "He described the movie plot generically," meaning he gave only a basic overview. In short, it points to a broad, non-specific way of talking about something.

Examples

  1. 1

    Broad discussion

    The report discusses the problem generically, without naming any specific companies.

  2. 2

    Vague advice

    When I asked for advice, he answered so generically that it was hard to apply to my situation.

  3. 3

    Museum labels

    The museum labels some items generically as "tools" when their exact use is unknown.

  4. 4

    Brand names

    In everyday speech, some people use "Google" generically for any internet search.

    • Pattern

      use X generically

      use one specific name as if it meant the whole type

  5. 5

    Reusable code

    The code was written generically, so the same function can handle several kinds of data.

    • Domain

      written generically

      designed to work in many cases, not just one

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • genericallyadverb