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

1. as sharing a common genus
   • these animals are not related generically
2. without a trademark or brand name
   • we market these drugs generically