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

generic namephrase
a non-branded or common name for a product
generic brandphrase
a non-branded or common version of a product

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
suffix
English Dictionary