WordGarden.iogenerically
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /dʒənˈɛrɪkli/
US
- /dʒəˈnɛrɪkli/
Meanings
Adverb
in a general, non-specific, or type-based way
without a brand name or proprietary label
by genus or at the level of biological classification
Beyond the definition
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.
The word "generically" describes something done or expressed in a general way, without specific details or attention to individual brands, names, or special features. It focuses on the larger category instead of what makes one example different from another.
You will often meet this word in medical or commercial contexts. For example, a doctor might prescribe a medicine generically, which lets the pharmacist provide the generic version instead of a particular brand-name drug. It also appears when people talk about language and description. If someone says, "The report referred to the group generically as 'concerned citizens,'" the idea is that the report used a broad label instead of explaining who the people were in detail.
"Generically" can also suggest that something feels plain, standard, or not very original. If a critic says a new song sounds "generically catchy," they mean it follows a familiar formula and does not have much of its own character.
It is important to note that this word is not always negative. In many situations, it suggests practicality, lower cost, or simple communication. But in creative or personal contexts, it can imply that something feels bland or lacks individuality. Whether you are talking about medicine, product labeling, broad descriptions, or predictable ideas, "generically" points to something presented as part of a general class rather than as a distinct individual example.
Examples
- 1
Broad discussion
The report discusses the problem generically, without naming any specific companies.
- 2
Vague advice
When I asked for advice, he answered so generically that it was hard to apply to my situation.
- 3
Museum labels
The museum labels some items generically as "tools" when their exact use is unknown.
- 4
Brand names
In everyday speech, some people use "Google" generically for any internet search.
- Patternuse X generically
use one specific name as if it meant the whole type
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Reusable code
The code was written generically, so the same function can handle several kinds of data.
- Domainwritten generically
designed to work in many cases, not just one
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- nonspecifically
- abstractly
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- speaking generically
- refer to something generically
- described generically
Word family
Explore
- specificity
- generic name
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- genericallyadverb