generic
generic — adjective
1. describing a whole class or category of things rather than a specific item — for
describing a whole class or category of things rather than a specific item — for example, 'bird' is a generic term that covers sparrows, eagles, and penguins.
Furniture is a generic word for objects like tables, chairs, and beds.
generic word for [category]
When you say 'citrus fruit', you use a generic term that covers oranges and lemons.
Dr. Meera used a generic label for the group instead of naming each plant.
In biology class, Tamar learned that 'mammal' is a generic category covering dogs and whales.
Is there a generic name for all these different types of screws and bolts?
- specific
refers to one particular item rather than a class
- individual
emphasises single items rather than groups
文法句型
generic + noun (term, name, label, category)
generic word for [category]
用法筆記
Often modifies nouns like 'term,' 'name,' 'label,' and 'category,' where the noun being described represents a supercategory that includes multiple specific items.
常見錯誤
2. sold under its chemical or common name rather than a brand name, typically at a
sold under its chemical or common name rather than a brand name, typically at a lower price because the original manufacturer's legal protection has expired — used especially for drugs and consumer products.
The pharmacist recommended a generic version of the allergy medicine at half the price.
generic version of [brand-name drug]
Many hospitals buy generic drugs to lower their costs while still offering effective treatment.
Feng chose the generic painkiller over the brand-name one because both worked the same way.
The store sells generic cleaning products in plain white bottles with simple labels.
When the patent ended, other companies began selling a generic version of the heart medication.
- non-proprietary
more formal; used in legal and regulatory contexts
- unbranded
focuses on the absence of a brand name; common in retail
- no-name
informal; slightly negative tone, implies cheap or low-status
- brand-name
sold under a specific company's registered trademark
- proprietary
legally owned and controlled by a particular company
文法句型
generic + noun (drug, version, product, medication)
generic + noun vs brand-name + noun
用法筆記
Common in medical and pharmaceutical contexts. The opposite is 'brand-name' or 'proprietary.' Also used for non-medical products such as groceries and household cleaners.
常見錯誤
3. bland and ordinary in a way that shows no imagination or distinctive character —
bland and ordinary in a way that shows no imagination or distinctive character — for example, a generic hotel room that looks exactly like every other chain hotel.
The hotel room had generic furniture that looked the same as every other chain hotel.
generic furniture — lacking distinctive character
Critics called the film generic and said it copied scenes from several older movies.
Ayana felt the wedding speech was too generic — it could have been written for anyone.
Instead of a generic greeting card, William made one himself with a funny drawing.
The job interview felt scripted and generic, with the same questions every candidate gets.
- unoriginal
directly states a lack of new ideas; slightly more negative
- cookie-cutter
informal, vivid; suggests mass-produced identical design
- standardised
can be neutral or positive; 'generic' is always negative in this sense
文法句型
generic + noun (design, response, speech, décor)
feel/look/be + generic
用法筆記
Carries a mildly negative connotation — describes something disappointing because of its lack of originality. Not interchangeable with 'general' in this sense.
常見錯誤
generic — noun
1. an item for sale, most often a medication, that does not carry a company's regis
an item for sale, most often a medication, that does not carry a company's registered trademark — usually priced lower because the original patent protections have expired.
The doctor prescribed a generic instead of the brand-name drug to save the patient money.
prescribed a generic instead of the brand-name drug
Élise checked whether the store sold a generic or a brand-name product.
When the patent expired, several companies began producing a generic of the same medication.
The pharmacy offers both the brand-name medicine and a cheaper generic on the next shelf.
Hugo asked the pharmacist whether a generic was available for the cream the doctor ordered.
- generic drug
more explicit; avoids confusion with other types of generic products
- no-name brand
informal; focuses on the absence of brand recognition
- off-patent drug
technical; emphasises the legal status of an expired patent
- brand-name drug
the original trademarked product made by a specific company
文法句型
buy/prescribe/sell/take + a generic
generic for [drug name]
用法筆記
Most commonly used for prescription and over-the-counter drugs, but can refer to any product sold without a brand name. Often contrasted with 'brand-name product' or 'proprietary product.'