generically
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb: 1. In a way that relates to or is characteristic of a whole group, class, or genus; in a general, inclusive sense. It describes something shared by all members of a category. 2. In a way that is not protected by trademark; without a brand name. It describes a product, especially a drug, sold under its common chemical name rather than a proprietary brand name.
Usage and Examples
- Relating to a whole class or genus:
- These two species are similar generically, but differ in specific details. (They share broad characteristics of their genus.)
- He argued generically about the rights of citizens, without addressing specific cases. (He spoke in general terms applicable to all citizens.)
- Without a brand name:
- The doctor prescribed the medication generically to save the patient money. (The prescription was written for the unbranded, chemical version.)
- Many common drugs are available generically once the patent expires. (They are sold under their non-proprietary names.)
Advanced Usage
- In logic and computing: Used to describe something defined in broad, general terms that can later be made specific.
- This function is written generically to handle any type of input data.
- In biology: Pertaining to the level of the genus.
- The specimens were classified generically before their species were determined.
Variants and Related Words
- Generic (adjective): Characteristic of or relating to a class or group; not specific or proprietary.
- a generic description; a generic drug
- Generality (noun): A statement or principle having general rather than specific validity.
Synonyms
- Generally (in its sense of "in most cases" or "without specific details")
- Commonly
- Non-specifically
- Unbranded (for the commercial sense)
Antonyms
- Specifically
- Particularly
- Branded
- Proprietarily
Related Phrases and Usage Notes
- To market/sell something generically: To sell a product without a brand name.
- The company decided to market the product generically to compete on price.
- To speak generically: To talk about something in broad, general terms.
- Speaking generically, most mammals give birth to live young.
Adverb
- as sharing a common genus
- these animals are not related generically
- without a trademark or brand name
- we market these drugs generically