generative

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'generative' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe something that has the ability to produce or create something else. For example: "The generative power of technology has revolutionized the way people communicate with each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The value of interactions is rising", says the Boston Consulting Group's Mr Morieux, "because their generative function [meaning their ability to generate new ideas] has become the solution to increasingly challenging organisational problems".

The Economist

(4) Generative historicist phenomenology studies how meaning, as found in our experience, is generated in historical processes of collective experience over time.

SEP

A generative grammar of a particular language is a system of rules that generates all (and only) the sentences of that language, along with a characterization of how each sentence sounds and what it means.

SEP

Back to Blood, by Tom Wolfe Now his big generative jockey was inside her pelvic saddle, riding, riding, riding, and she was eagerly swallowing it swallowing it swallowing it with the saddle's own lips and maw — all this without a word.

The Guardian - Books

The Blockbuster United Kingdom business is profitable, cash generative and has substantial net assets".

The Guardian - Business

Mr Zittrain calls it "generative": people can tinker with it, creating new services and elbowing existing ones aside.

The Economist

Mr Treasure is a fan of "generative music", which relies on computer algorithms and is faintly hypnotic.

The Economist

BAA, an airport operator, recently tested a "soundscape" made up of generative music, birdsong and crashing waves at its Glasgow terminal, alternating it daily over a period of eight weeks with silence.

The Economist

That is similar to the way the human visual system works, with particular clusters of nerve cells in the brain adapted to respond to, say, horizontal lines, or to lines that run on diagonals.The other difference is that his network is "generative".

The Economist

You can also appreciate the music's elemental force and generative power on its own account.Don't forget the composerThough the likeness is tempting, Mr Norgard is wary about running too far with music-nature metaphors.

The Economist

Path (1) appealed to generative Essentialists.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generative" to specifically highlight the capacity to produce or create, especially in contexts involving systems, algorithms, or abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "generative" interchangeably with words like "creative" or "productive" without considering the nuances. "Generative" emphasizes the power to generate, not necessarily the quality or quantity of the output.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "generative" primarily functions to describe something that possesses the power or capacity to generate, originate, or produce. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this can apply to diverse fields, from language grammar to music and economics, highlighting its wide applicability in defining creative or productive capabilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "generative" denotes the ability to produce or create, finding frequent use across diverse fields such as science, news, and business. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. While alternatives like "creative" or "productive" exist, "generative" specifically highlights the power to generate, making it essential to consider the nuances when choosing the most appropriate term. With a formal and scientific register, "generative" often appears in analytical discussions, emphasizing potential for new outputs and developments. Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creative

This term emphasizes the aspect of bringing something new and original into existence.

productive

Focuses on the efficiency and abundance of output or results.

innovative

Highlights the introduction of new ideas, methods, or products.

prolific

Implies a high rate of production or reproduction.

originative

Stresses the act of initiating or bringing something into being for the first time.

fruitful

Suggests positive and beneficial outcomes from the act of generating.

formative

Emphasizes the role of shaping or influencing the development of something.

inventive

Focuses on the cleverness and originality involved in the generation process.

fertile

Implies a capacity for abundant production or growth, often in a biological sense.

developing

Highlights ongoing growth and creation, rather than a single act of generation.

FAQs

How can I use "generative" in a sentence?

You can use "generative" to describe systems or processes that have the ability to create new content or outputs, such as "generative AI" or "generative music".

What are some alternatives to using "generative"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "creative", "productive", or "innovative".

Is it correct to say "generative of" or "generative for"?

While both constructions are possible, "generative of" is more common when describing what something produces, while "generative for" can indicate who or what benefits from the generation.

What is the difference between "generative" and "regenerative"?

"Generative" refers to the ability to create or produce something new, while "regenerative" refers to the ability to restore or renew something that already exists.