generically
UK[dʒɪˈnerɪkli]US[dʒɪˈnerɪkli]
adv
In a way that is not specific or detailed, applying to a whole class or group.
adv
In a way that relates to or is characteristic of a genus, type, or class.
Morpheme Breakdown
generic
ally
generic
relating to a class
ally
adverb suffix
Etymology
The word "generically" is built upon the core Latin root genus, meaning "birth, race, or kind," which itself descends from the Proto-Indo-European root ǵénh₁os, signifying "to produce, beget." This root gave rise to a vast family of words concerning origin, type, and class. The English adjective "generic" was formed in the 17th century from the Latin genus, via the French générique, to describe something pertaining to a whole genus or class. The addition of the adverbial suffix "-ally," derived from Latin -alis, transforms this descriptive term into an adverb, "generically," which denotes the manner of acting or being in a way that is characteristic of a broad category, thus moving from the ancient concept of "birth" to the modern abstract sense of "non-specific classification."
Analysis
Structure: generic (relating to a class) + ally (adverb suffix)
- generic: From Latin genus (birth, race, kind). In English, it functions as an adjective meaning "characteristic of a whole class or group."
- ally: A suffix of Latin origin (-alis), forming adverbs meaning "in a manner of" or "characteristically."
Examples
The drug is sold generically at a much lower price than the branded version.
He spoke so generically about his plans that we had no real idea what he intended to do.
These features are generically common to all members of the feline family.