Definitions
- Describing a product or item that is not branded or specific to a particular company. - Referring to a term or phrase that is broad and not specific to a particular instance. - Talking about a characteristic or quality that is typical or common to a group or category of things.
- Referring to something that is widespread or prevalent in a particular area or population. - Describing something that is ordinary or usual, without any special or unique qualities. - Talking about a shared characteristic or feature among a group of things or people.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is not specific or unique.
- 2Both can be used to refer to a group or category of things.
- 3Both are adjectives that modify a noun.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Generic refers to something that is not specific to a particular company or brand, while common refers to something that is widespread or prevalent in a particular area or population.
- 2Usage: Generic is often used in the context of products or terms, while common is used more broadly to describe characteristics or features.
- 3Connotation: Generic can have a negative connotation, implying something that is unoriginal or lacking in quality, while common is more neutral and simply describes something that is ordinary or usual.
- 4Focus: Generic emphasizes the lack of specificity, while common emphasizes the shared characteristic or feature among a group of things or people.
Remember this!
Generic and common are both adjectives that describe something that is not specific or unique. However, generic refers to something that is not branded or specific to a particular company, while common refers to something that is widespread or prevalent in a particular area or population. Additionally, generic can have a negative connotation, while common is more neutral.
