Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “generically” come from?

Generically derives from generic, which comes from Middle French générique, from Latin genus meaning "kind or type," traced through Proto-Italic genos to the Proto-Indo-European root ǵenh₁- meaning "to produce or beget."

generically (English): In a generic manner; With regard to a genus

Definitions

  1. In a generic manner; With regard to a genus

Ancestry of “generically”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1English-allyAlternative form of -ly , used with adjectives in...
2EnglishahistoricSynonym of ahistorical
3EnglishhistoricVery important; noteworthy: having importance or...
4Latinhistoricushistorical
5Latinhistoriahistory; account; story
6Ancient Greekἱστορίαinquiry, examination, systematic observation,...
7Ancient Greekἱστορέωto inquire, ask; to examine, observe; to record,...
8Ancient Greekἵστωρone who knows law and right, judge; witness; a...
9Proto-Hellenicwístōr—
10Proto-Indo-Europeanwéydtōrone who has seen, one who knows
11Indo-European*weyd-—
Every word from Indo-European *weyd- →