generic sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generic sense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a broad or general understanding of a term or concept, rather than a specific or technical definition. Example: "In a generic sense, the term 'sustainability' refers to practices that do not deplete resources for future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The term used in a narrow sense also applies to the walkways or alleys themselves (the central area being the cloister garth), in a general sense to the houses of religious orders, and in a generic sense to places of retreat for religious purposes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Silveira said he was only speaking in a "generic" sense.

The New Yorker

I'd say transplantation in a generic sense — liver, kidney, pancreas.

The New York Times

Moonshine, in the generic sense, refers to any high-proof spirit made in an unlicensed still.

The New York Times

I was one person speaking out with experience who did see, in a generic sense, the writing on the wall".

The Guardian - Business

In the most generic sense, the application directory partitions are used most often to store dynamic data.

How to Cheat at Designing a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure

template There are several types of templates in XML processing, both in the generic sense of an incomplete framework or starting point, and in very specific senses.

Stanford University

The term dock is still often used in a generic sense to indicate all waterfront docking facilities, either dry basin or berthing structures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For a diplomat, Holbrooke was not by a longshot always diplomatic in the more generic sense, but no one doubted his intellect and ability.

The Guardian - Opinion

DeMenocal traced the shift to periodic variations in the earth's orbit, which, in a generic sense, are the same forces that trigger ice ages.

The New Yorker

I think it would be mindless to try to pursue one norm or the other in a generic sense". The library brown-bag talk was the final public event for the year on the strategic planning task force reports.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generic sense" when you want to convey a broad or non-technical understanding of a term or concept, especially when contrasting it with a more specific or technical definition. For instance: "In a "generic sense", 'sustainability' refers to practices that do not deplete resources."

Common error

Avoid using "generic sense" when a simpler word like "generally" or "broadly" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. For example, instead of writing, "In a "generic sense", the policy applies to everyone", consider "Generally, the policy applies to everyone."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generic sense" functions as a qualifier, specifying that a term or concept is being used in its broad, non-technical, or commonly understood meaning. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely applicable across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "generic sense" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a broad, non-technical interpretation of a term or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across varied contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While highly versatile, alternatives such as "general sense" or "broad sense" might offer a more concise option in certain scenarios. When employing "generic sense", ensure it genuinely enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity, instead of unnecessarily complicating your writing. Its primary function is to prevent misunderstanding by marking that you will use a general meaning rather than a specific one. The phrase is considered neutral in register, being suitable for both academic and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general sense

Replaces "generic" with "general", offering a direct synonym with nearly identical meaning.

broad sense

Emphasizes the wide scope of the understanding, rather than its commonality.

basic sense

Highlights the fundamental or essential understanding of something.

ordinary sense

Focuses on the common or typical understanding, differing slightly in connotation.

common understanding

Shifts from the term "sense" to "understanding", emphasizing shared knowledge.

conventional meaning

Highlights the established and accepted interpretation of a term.

in a wider context

Shifts the focus to the breadth of the situation in which the term is being used.

in its widest application

Stresses the broadest possible use or interpretation of the term.

in layman's terms

Implies simplifying a concept for easier understanding by non-experts.

for all intents and purposes

Indicates that something is true in every practical sense, even if not literally.

FAQs

How can I use "generic sense" in a sentence?

You can use "generic sense" to indicate a broad or general understanding of a term, as opposed to a specific or technical one. For example: "The term 'cloud computing' is often used in a "generic sense" to refer to any service accessed over the internet".

What's the difference between "generic sense" and "general sense"?

The phrases "generic sense" and "general sense" are largely interchangeable. Both refer to a broad, non-specific understanding of a term. However, "generic sense" may slightly emphasize the commonality or typicality of that understanding.

Is it appropriate to use "generic sense" in formal writing?

Yes, "generic sense" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to clarify that you are using a term in its broad, non-technical meaning. However, ensure that the context warrants its use and that a simpler word like "generally" isn't more suitable.

What are some alternatives to using "generic sense" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "broad sense", "basic sense", or "common understanding". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.