Generic — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /jə-ˈner-ik/ ge·ner·ic

Meaning & Definition of Generic

Generic (adjective)

  1. relating to or characteristic of a whole group or class, general
  2. not being or having a particular brand name
  3. having no particularly distinctive quality or application

Generic (noun)

  1. a product (such as a drug) that does not have a brand name

Generic (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. belonging or relating to the whole

    "a love of big things—big cars, big meals—seems to be a generic trait of the American people"

    similar: across-the-board, blanket, broad-brush, common, general, global, overall, universal
    related: all-embracing, broad, broad-gauge, broadscale, comprehensive, extensive, inclusionary, overarching, pervasive, sweeping, ubiquitous, wholesale, wide, widespread, aggregate, collective, complete, full, plenary, planetary, worldwide
    opposite: individual, particular
    near: component, constituent, cross-sectional, divisional, fragmentary, partial, local, localized, regional, sectional

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Generic

The most common words with a similar meaning to Generic:

across-the-board, blanket, broad-brush, common, general, global, overall, universal

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Generic

Words with the opposite meaning of Generic:

individual, particular

Related Words for Generic

all-embracing, broad, broad-gauge, broadscale, comprehensive, extensive, inclusionary, overarching, pervasive, sweeping, ubiquitous, wholesale, wide, widespread, aggregate, collective, complete, full, plenary, planetary, worldwide

Near Antonyms of Generic

component, constituent, cross-sectional, divisional, fragmentary, partial, local, localized, regional, sectional

Word Forms of Generic

Derived words: generically (adverb), genericness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Generic

French générique, from Latin gener-, genus birth, kind, class

First known use: 1676

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Generic

Frequently Asked Questions about Generic

What does "Generic" mean?

"Generic" means relating to or characteristic of a whole group or class, general. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: relating to or characteristic of a whole group or class, general.

What is another word for "Generic"?

Other words for "Generic" include across-the-board, blanket, broad-brush, common, general, global, overall and universal. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Generic" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Generic"?

There are 29 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Generic". Common alternatives include across-the-board, blanket, broad-brush, common, general, global, overall and universal.

What is the opposite of "Generic"?

Antonyms of "Generic" include individual and particular. Near antonyms include component, constituent, cross-sectional and divisional.

How do you use "Generic" in a sentence?

Examples of "Generic" in a sentence: "a love of big things—big cars, big meals—seems to be a generic trait of the American people".

Is "Generic" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Generic" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Generic" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Generic" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Generic"?

"Generic" is pronounced /jə-ˈner-ik/ and divided into syllables as ge·ner·ic.