How to pronounce generic
Say it like juh-NER-ik. Generic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NER).
- juh
- NER
- ik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Generic pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- juhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- NERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of generic
American and British speakers say generic in essentially the same way: /dʒəˈnɛrɪk/ in the US and /dʒəˈnɛrɪk/ in the UK.
British respelling: juh-NER-ik.
What does generic mean?
- Very broad; pertaining or appropriate to large classes or groups as opposed to specific instances.“Capri pants can be a generic term for any cropped slim pants.”
- Lacking in precision, often in an evasive fashion; vague; imprecise.
- Of a product or drug, not having a brand name; nonproprietary in design or contents; fungible with the rest of its class.
- A product sold under a generic name.
- A wine that is a combination of several wines, or made from a combination of several grape varieties.
- A term that specifies neither male nor female.
Where does generic come from?
From Middle French générique, from Latin genus (“genus, kind”) + -ic.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with generic
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of generic.
Questions about saying generic
How do you pronounce generic?
Say juh-NER-ik. The American pronunciation is /dʒəˈnɛrɪk/. In British English it is /dʒəˈnɛrɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in generic?
Generic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NER). Broken into parts: juh · NER · ik.
Do Americans and Brits say generic the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dʒəˈnɛrɪk/ and the British form is /dʒəˈnɛrɪk/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.