English Reference
Adjective

generative

adj.
C1 Advanced US /ˈdʒɛnɝətɪv/ UK /dʒˈɛnəɹətˌɪv/ gen·er·a·tive

adj.describing something that creates or produces new things. In modern tech, it often refers to software that can make new content like text, images, or music.

adj.relating to the production or creation of something. In contemporary technical contexts, it specifically describes systems capable of generating novel outputs such as text, images, or audio.


SIMPLE

The new software uses generative AI to write stories.

CONTEXTUAL

Researchers are exploring how generative models can help artists create complex digital landscapes in seconds.

COMPLEX

The shift toward generative tools has fundamentally altered the creative workflow, allowing designers to iterate on thousands of variations before settling on a final concept.

Usage generative artificial

In Twitch's own FAQs about its use of AI , external , it says if users do not opt out, their content could be used to train generative AI models.

BBC News· 13 Aug 2026

They said it was no longer a question of "whether generative viral genome design will exist" but whether it can be used without "enabling serious harm".

BBC News· 6 Aug 2026

Common in history writing


From Middle English generatyve, generatyf, generatif, equivalent to generate + -ive. Compare French génératif.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English generatyve
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated