General vs. Generic: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"General" refers to something widespread or common, while "generic" means typical of a class or unspecific.
Key Differences
The term "general" is often used to describe concepts or items that are common, widespread, or applicable in a broad sense. Conversely, "generic" specifically refers to things that are characteristic of a group or class, often lacking distinctiveness or specificity.
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Dec 06, 2023
"General" implies a broad, non-specific overview or application, often used in a context where details are not the focus. In contrast, "generic" is used to denote something that is typical of its kind, but without any unique or distinguishing features.
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Dec 06, 2023
In a "general" sense, the term can apply to a wide range of subjects or ideas, not limited to a particular category. However, "generic" refers to the common attributes shared by a category, usually implying a basic, standard form.
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Dec 06, 2023
"General" information provides an overview without going into depth, applicable to many situations. "Generic" items or concepts, on the other hand, are seen as interchangeable within their category, often used when specifics are not required or known.
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Dec 06, 2023
The usage of "general" is often in contexts where an expansive, inclusive approach is needed, while "generic" is more about fitting into a known category without standing out.
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Dec 06, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Broad or widespread in application or scope
Characteristic of a class, lacking distinctiveness
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Context of Use
Used for overall, non-specific references
Used for items or ideas typical of a group
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Implication of Uniqueness
Does not imply uniqueness or typicality
Implies a lack of unique or distinctive features
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Level of Specificity
Broad and inclusive
Basic and standard within a category
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Connotation
Often neutral, implying breadth
Often implies a basic or no-frills quality
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Dec 06, 2023
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General and Generic Definitions
General
Involving or applicable to a majority of cases or elements.
The general consensus was in favor of the new policy.
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Dec 06, 2023
Generic
Not specific or individual; general.
His response was rather generic and uninformative.
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Dec 06, 2023
General
Considering or relating to the main or overall aspects of something.
He had a general understanding of the subject.
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Dec 06, 2023
Generic
Applicable to an entire class or group.
This is a generic problem common to all similar systems.
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Dec 06, 2023
General
A high-ranking military officer.
The general commanded the troops with great skill.
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Generic
Lacking a brand name; not trademarked.
She prefers generic medication to save money.
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Dec 06, 2023
General
Concerned with, applicable to, or affecting the whole or every member of a class or category
"subduing all her impressions as a woman, to something more general" (Virginia Woolf).
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Oct 19, 2023
Generic
In biology, relating to a genus.
The generic classification of these plants can be complex.
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Dec 06, 2023
General
Affecting or characteristic of the majority of those involved; prevalent
General discontent.
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Oct 19, 2023
Generic
Relating to or descriptive of an entire group or class
Cancer is a generic term for a group of diseases in which cells proliferate wildly.
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Oct 19, 2023
Generic
Lacking specificity; general
Made some generic remarks about how to save for retirement.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
Being usually the case; true or applicable in most instances but not all
The general correctness of her decisions.
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Oct 19, 2023
Generic
Relating to or being a product that is sold or distributed without any brand name or without a widely known brand name, especially as a discount alternative to a name-brand product
Generic soap.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
Not limited to or dealing with one class of things; diversified
General studies.
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Oct 19, 2023
Generic
Relating to or being the official nonproprietary name of a drug, under which it is licensed and identified by the manufacturer.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
Involving only the main features rather than precise details
A general grasp of the subject.
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Oct 19, 2023
Generic
(Grammar) Specifying neither masculine nor feminine gender
Generic nouns like waitperson and executive.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
A commissioned rank in the US Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps that is above lieutenant general.
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Oct 19, 2023
Generic
A wine that is a blend of several grape varieties and does not carry the name of any specific grape.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
One who holds this rank or a similar rank in another military organization.
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Oct 19, 2023
Generic
Very comprehensive; pertaining or appropriate to large classes or groups (genera) as opposed to specific instances.
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Oct 19, 2023
Generic
(taxonomy) Pertaining to genera of life instead of particular species thereof.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
A statement, principle, or fact that embraces or is applicable to the whole.
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Oct 19, 2023
Generic
Lacking in precision, often in an evasive fashion; vague; imprecise
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Oct 19, 2023
Generic
(of a product or drug) not having a brand name; nonproprietary in design or contents; fungible with the rest of its class.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
Including or involving every part or member of a given or implied entity, whole etc.; as opposed to specific or particular.
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Oct 19, 2023
Generic
(grammar) specifying neither masculine nor feminine; epicene; unisex.
Words like salesperson and firefighter are generic.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
Applied to a person (as a postmodifier or a normal preceding adjective) to indicate supreme rank, in civil or military titles, and later in other terms; pre-eminent.
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Oct 19, 2023
Generic
Written so as to operate on any data type, the type required being passed as a parameter.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
Prevalent or widespread among a given class or area; common, usual.
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Oct 19, 2023
Generic
Having coordinates that are algebraically independent over the base field.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
Not limited in use or application; applicable to the whole or every member of a class or category.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
Giving or consisting of only the most important aspects of something, ignoring minor details; indefinite.
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Oct 19, 2023
Generic
A wine that is a blend of several wines, or made from a blend of several grape varieties.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
Not limited to a specific class; miscellaneous, concerned with all branches of a given subject or area.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
A general fact or proposition; a generality.
We have dealt with the generals; now let us turn to the particulars.
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Oct 19, 2023
Generic
Pertaining to a genus or kind; relating to a genus, as distinct from a species, or from another genus; as, a generic description; a generic difference; a generic name.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
(military ranks) The holder of a senior military title, originally designating the commander of an army and now a specific rank falling under field marshal (in the British army) and below general of the army or general of the air force in the US army and air forces.
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Oct 19, 2023
Generic
Very comprehensive; pertaining or appropriate to large classes or their characteristics; - opposed to specific.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
A great strategist or tactician.
Hannibal was one of the greatest generals of the ancient world.
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Oct 19, 2023
Generic
Not protected by trademark; - used especially of the names of medications; as, a generic drug; the generic name of Rogaine is minoxidil.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
(Christianity) The head of certain religious orders, especially Dominicans or Jesuits.
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Oct 19, 2023
Generic
Relating to or common to or descriptive of all members of a genus;
The generic name
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Oct 19, 2023
Generic
(of drugs) not protected by trademark;
`Acetaminophen' is the generic form of the proprietary drug `Tylenol'
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Oct 19, 2023
Generic
Applicable to an entire class or group;
Is there a generic Asian mind?
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Oct 19, 2023
Generic
Characteristic of or relating to a class or group.
The store sells generic brands at lower prices.
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Dec 06, 2023
General
(xiangqi) A xiangqi piece, that is moved one point orthogonally and confined within the palace.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
(obsolete) In a general or collective manner or sense; in most cases; upon the whole.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
Relating to a genus or kind; pertaining to a whole class or order; as, a general law of animal or vegetable economy.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
Comprehending many species or individuals; not special or particular; including all particulars; as, a general inference or conclusion.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
Not restrained or limited to a precise import; not specific; vague; indefinite; lax in signification; as, a loose and general expression.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
Common to many, or the greatest number; widely spread; prevalent; extensive, though not universal; as, a general opinion; a general custom.
This general applause and cheerful shoutArgue your wisdom and your love to Richard.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
Having a relation to all; common to the whole; as, Adam, our general sire.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
As a whole; in gross; for the most part.
His general behavior vain, ridiculous.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
The whole; the total; that which comprehends or relates to all, or the chief part; - opposed to particular.
In particulars our knowledge begins, and so spreads itself by degrees to generals.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
One of the chief military officers of a government or country; the commander of an army, of a body of men not less than a brigade. In European armies, the highest military rank next below field marshal.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
The roll of the drum which calls the troops together; as, to beat the general.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
The chief of an order of monks, or of all the houses or congregations under the same rule.
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Oct 19, 2023
General
A fact about the whole (as opposed to particular);
He discussed the general but neglected the particular
He always reasons from the particular to the general
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Oct 19, 2023
General
Applying to all or most members of a category or group;
The general public
General assistance
A general rule
In general terms
Comprehensible to the general reader
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Oct 19, 2023
General
Not specialized or limited to one class of things;
General studies
General knowledge
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Oct 19, 2023
General
Prevailing among and common to the general public;
The general discontent
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Oct 19, 2023
General
Somewhat indefinite;
Bearing a general resemblance to the original
A general description of the merchandise
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Oct 19, 2023
General
Of worldwide scope or applicability;
An issue of cosmopolitan import
The shrewdest political and ecumenical comment of our time
Universal experience
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Oct 19, 2023
General
Not detailed or specific.
She gave a general description of the event.
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Dec 06, 2023
General
Widespread or prevalent.
There was a general feeling of optimism in the room.
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Dec 06, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can 'general' and 'generic' be used interchangeably?
While they can be similar, they are not always interchangeable as 'generic' often implies a lack of uniqueness.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
What does 'general' mean?
'General' refers to something that is widespread, common, or applicable in a broad sense.
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Dec 06, 2023
Does 'generic' always mean low quality?
No, 'generic' doesn't necessarily mean low quality; it often refers to standardization or lack of branding.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can a 'general' statement be specific?
No, a 'general' statement is typically broad and not focused on specifics.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can 'general' refer to a consensus?
Yes, 'general' can refer to a widespread agreement or belief among a group.
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Dec 06, 2023
What does 'generic' mean?
'Generic' refers to something typical of a class or group, often lacking distinctiveness.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is 'general' more about scope or specifics?
'General' is more about broad scope and less about specific details.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can 'general' refer to an overall view?
Yes, 'general' often refers to an overall or comprehensive view of a subject.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is 'generic' used in biology?
Yes, 'generic' is used in biology to refer to characteristics of a genus.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can a 'generic' product have a brand?
Typically, 'generic' products are unbranded or have lesser-known brands.
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Dec 06, 2023
Are 'generic' products always cheaper?
Often, but not always. 'Generic' products are typically less expensive due to lack of branding.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can something be 'general' in one context and 'generic' in another?
Yes, depending on the context, something might be 'general' in terms of scope but 'generic' in terms of its standard characteristics.
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Dec 06, 2023
Does 'general' have a military meaning?
Yes, 'general' is a rank in the military, denoting a high-ranking officer.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is 'general' knowledge different from 'generic' knowledge?
Yes, 'general' knowledge is broad, while 'generic' knowledge refers to common, standard information.
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Dec 06, 2023
Are 'generic' medicines as effective as branded ones?
Generally, yes. Generic medicines contain the same active ingredients as branded ones.
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Dec 06, 2023
Does 'general' imply a level of understanding?
Yes, it implies a broad or overall understanding, not focused on details.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can 'generic' refer to a shared problem?
Yes, a problem can be 'generic' if it is common to a particular group or class.
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Dec 06, 2023
How does 'general' relate to consensus?
'General' can describe a widespread agreement or belief among a group of people.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is 'generic' used in a negative context?
Sometimes, 'generic' can have a negative connotation, implying a lack of uniqueness or creativity.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can 'general' opinions vary?
Yes, while 'general' opinions are broad, they can still vary among different groups or individuals.
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Dec 06, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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