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generic
/dʒɛnəˈrɪk/
non-specific or common
The store sells generic brands of medicine.
The store sells non-branded, common versions of medicine.
formal
belonging to a class or group distinguished by common attributes
The drug is available in generic form.
The drug is available in a non-branded, common version.
Often used in medicine to describe non-branded drugs.
informal
lacking individuality or specificity
His advice was too generic to be helpful.
His advice was too vague and common to be useful.
Used to describe something that is too general or not tailored.
Collocations
generic namea non-branded or common name for a productgeneric branda non-branded or common version of a product
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Generic vs. Brand Name
In medicine, 'generic' refers to non-branded drugs, while 'brand name' refers to drugs sold under a specific company's name.
Gold Rule
Avoid Generic Advice
When giving advice, avoid being too generic. Tailor your advice to the specific situation or person.
Word Origin
From Latin 'genericus' meaning 'of a kind or race', from 'genus' (kind, race).
Usage Notes
In medicine, 'generic' refers to drugs that are chemically identical to branded drugs but are sold without a brand name. In everyday language, it often describes something that is too general or not tailored to a specific situation.
Word Breakdown
gener-
kind, race
root-ic
relating to
suffixEnglish Dictionary