General vs. Generic — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on March 20, 2024
General products or terms are broadly applicable without specific features, while generic refers to products or terms not branded and often seen as interchangeable.
Difference Between General and Generic
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
General refers to a concept, item, or term that applies broadly across many categories or situations without specificity. It encompasses a wide range of applications or meanings, making it adaptable but not tailored to any particular niche. On the other hand, generic is often used to describe products, especially pharmaceuticals or goods, that are marketed without a brand name, implying they are equivalent to more well-known branded versions but usually at a lower cost.
General ideas or instructions are designed to be widely applicable, providing guidance that can be adapted to various specific contexts. This makes them versatile but sometimes too vague for specialized tasks. Generic products, whereas, are specifically created to mimic the branded products they replicate, focusing on delivering the same function or effect at a reduced price, often leading to perceptions of them being of lower quality, whether true or not.
In terms of usage, "general" can describe an approach, advice, or category that encompasses a broad spectrum, aiming to include as much as possible under its umbrella. Generic, on the other hand, is used to signify a lack of brand, uniqueness, or distinctiveness, often emphasizing the product's or item's functional equivalence rather than its unique qualities.
The term "general" is also used in hierarchical or organizational contexts, such as military ranks or positions within a company, indicating a high level of authority or oversight without specifying a narrow field of expertise. In contrast, generic doesn't carry implications of hierarchy or authority but rather focuses on the standardization and interchangeability of products or concepts.
While "general" is used to convey a sense of broad applicability or understanding, allowing for flexibility in interpretation and application, "generic" conveys a specific focus on uniformity, cost-effectiveness, and interchangeability, often in the context of products or commodities.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Broadly applicable, not specific to one thing
Not branded, often seen as interchangeable
Context
Can apply to concepts, advice, categories
Mostly used for products, especially pharmaceuticals
Implication
Broad applicability, flexibility
Standardization, cost-effectiveness
Usage
Broad advice, hierarchical positions
Product interchangeability, lack of uniqueness
Perception
Versatile, adaptable
Lower cost, potentially perceived as lower quality
Compare with Definitions
General
Widespread, common.
General knowledge is crucial for the quiz competition.
Generic
Applicable to an entire class or group;
Is there a generic Asian mind?
General
High-ranking in the military.
The general led the troops into battle.
Generic
Not protected by trademark.
Generic brands can offer significant savings.
General
Overall, as a whole.
The general mood at the party was lively.
Generic
Lacking specificity.
The feedback was too generic to be helpful.
General
Not detailed, vague.
He gave a general description of the event.
Generic
Characteristic of or relating to a class or group.
The generic term for such a drug is acetaminophen.
General
Relating to all parts rather than specific parts.
The general consensus is in favor of the new law.
Generic
Broadly applicable, not unique.
The generic advice didn’t address my specific situation.
General
Affecting or concerning all or most people or things; widespread
Books of general interest
The general opinion was that prices would fall
Generic
Products marketed without a brand name.
Many people prefer generic medications to save money.
General
Considering or including only the main features or elements of something; not exact or detailed
The arrangements were outlined in very general terms
A general introduction to the subject
Generic
Characteristic of or relating to a class or group of things; not specific
Chèvre is a generic term for all goat's milk cheese
General
Chief or principal
The general manager
The Director General of the BBC
Generic
Relating to a genus.
General
A commander of an army, or an army officer of very high rank.
Generic
A consumer product having no brand name or registered trademark
Substituting generics for brand-name drugs
General
The general public.
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.
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).
Generic
Lacking specificity; general
Made some generic remarks about how to save for retirement.
General
Affecting or characteristic of the majority of those involved; prevalent
General discontent.
Generic
(Biology) Of or relating to a genus.
General
Of or affecting the entire body
General paralysis.
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.
General
Being usually the case; true or applicable in most instances but not all
The general correctness of her decisions.
Generic
Relating to or being the official nonproprietary name of a drug, under which it is licensed and identified by the manufacturer.
General
Not limited in scope, area, or application
As a general rule.
Generic
(Grammar) Specifying neither masculine nor feminine gender
Generic nouns like waitperson and executive.
General
Not limited to or dealing with one class of things; diversified
General studies.
Generic
A product or substance sold under or identified by a generic name.
General
Involving only the main features rather than precise details
A general grasp of the subject.
Generic
A wine that is a blend of several grape varieties and does not carry the name of any specific grape.
General
Highest or superior in rank
The general manager.
Generic
Very comprehensive; pertaining or appropriate to large classes or groups (genera) as opposed to specific instances.
General
A commissioned rank in the US Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps that is above lieutenant general.
Generic
(taxonomy) Pertaining to genera of life instead of particular species thereof.
General
One who holds this rank or a similar rank in another military organization.
Generic
Lacking in precision, often in an evasive fashion; vague; imprecise
General
A general officer.
Generic
(of a product or drug) not having a brand name; nonproprietary in design or contents; fungible with the rest of its class.
General
A statement, principle, or fact that embraces or is applicable to the whole.
Generic
Relating to gender.
General
General anesthesia.
Generic
Written so as to operate on any data type, the type required being passed as a parameter.
General
(Archaic) The public.
Generic
Having coordinates that are algebraically independent over the base field.
General
Including or involving every part or member of a given or implied entity, whole etc.; as opposed to specific or particular.
Generic
A product sold under a generic name.
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.
Generic
A wine that is a blend of several wines, or made from a blend of several grape varieties.
General
Prevalent or widespread among a given class or area; common, usual.
Generic
(grammar) A term that specifies neither male nor female.
General
Not limited in use or application; applicable to the whole or every member of a class or category.
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.
General
Giving or consisting of only the most important aspects of something, ignoring minor details; indefinite.
Generic
Very comprehensive; pertaining or appropriate to large classes or their characteristics; - opposed to specific.
General
Not limited to a specific class; miscellaneous, concerned with all branches of a given subject or area.
Generic
Not protected by trademark; - used especially of the names of medications; as, a generic drug; the generic name of Rogaine is minoxidil.
General
A general fact or proposition; a generality.
We have dealt with the generals; now let us turn to the particulars.
Generic
Relating to or common to or descriptive of all members of a genus;
The generic name
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.
Generic
(of drugs) not protected by trademark;
`Acetaminophen' is the generic form of the proprietary drug `Tylenol'
General
A great strategist or tactician.
Hannibal was one of the greatest generals of the ancient world.
General
(Christianity) The head of certain religious orders, especially Dominicans or Jesuits.
General
(nautical) A commander of naval forces; an admiral.
General
A general servant; a maid with no specific duties.
General
(countable) A general anesthetic.
General
(uncountable) General anesthesia.
General
The general insurance industry.
I work in general.
General
(xiangqi) A xiangqi piece, that is moved one point orthogonally and confined within the palace.
General
To lead (soldiers) as a general.
General
(obsolete) In a general or collective manner or sense; in most cases; upon the whole.
General
Relating to a genus or kind; pertaining to a whole class or order; as, a general law of animal or vegetable economy.
General
Comprehending many species or individuals; not special or particular; including all particulars; as, a general inference or conclusion.
General
Not restrained or limited to a precise import; not specific; vague; indefinite; lax in signification; as, a loose and general expression.
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.
General
Having a relation to all; common to the whole; as, Adam, our general sire.
General
As a whole; in gross; for the most part.
His general behavior vain, ridiculous.
General
Usual; common, on most occasions; as, his general habit or method.
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.
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.
General
The roll of the drum which calls the troops together; as, to beat the general.
General
The chief of an order of monks, or of all the houses or congregations under the same rule.
General
The public; the people; the vulgar.
General
A general officer of the highest rank
General
The head of a religious order or congregation
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
General
Command as a general;
We are generaled by an incompetent!
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
General
Not specialized or limited to one class of things;
General studies
General knowledge
General
Of national scope;
A general election
General
Prevailing among and common to the general public;
The general discontent
General
Affecting the entire body;
A general anesthetic
General symptoms
General
Somewhat indefinite;
Bearing a general resemblance to the original
A general description of the merchandise
General
Of worldwide scope or applicability;
An issue of cosmopolitan import
The shrewdest political and ecumenical comment of our time
Universal experience
Common Curiosities
What does "general" mean?
General refers to something broad in scope or application, not specific to one thing.
Can generic products be of the same quality as branded ones?
Yes, generic products can be of the same quality and efficacy as their branded counterparts.
How do general and generic differ in usage?
General is used more broadly across contexts, while generic is often specific to products, especially pharmaceuticals.
Do all sectors use the term "generic"?
While "generic" is widely used, it’s most common in discussions about products, particularly pharmaceuticals.
How does the perception of generic and general products differ among consumers?
General products or advice are seen as versatile and adaptable, while generic products are often viewed as cost-effective but possibly lower in perceived quality.
Why might someone prefer a general over a specific approach?
A general approach can be more flexible and adaptable to various situations.
Is general advice always applicable?
General advice is broadly applicable but might not be suitable for very specific or unique situations.
What does "generic" mean?
Generic refers to products or terms that are not branded and often seen as interchangeable with branded versions.
Why are generic products cheaper?
Generic products are cheaper because they don’t carry the brand name's marketing and development costs.
Can the term "general" apply to knowledge?
Yes, general knowledge refers to information that is widely applicable and not specialized.
How does the use of "general" in a military context differ?
In a military context, "general" refers to a high-ranking officer, emphasizing authority and oversight rather than specificity.
What role does specificity play in distinguishing between general and generic?
Specificity, or the lack thereof, is key; general implies broad applicability without detail, while generic implies a lack of uniqueness but functional equivalence.
Is it true that generic products are always lower in quality?
Not necessarily. Generic products are often equivalent in quality to branded ones, though perceptions may vary.
Why might a company produce a generic version of its own product?
To offer a cost-effective alternative to consumers and compete with other generic versions in the market.
Can generic products have brand names?
Generic products are typically marketed without brand names, though they may have a manufacturer's name on them.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
