Word
generative
Phoneticsgen·er·a·tive, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdʒɛnɝətɪv/
UK/dʒˈɛnəɹətˌɪv/
Definition
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.
Examples
“The new software uses generative AI to write stories.”
“Researchers are exploring how generative models can help artists create complex digital landscapes in seconds.”
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Real-World Examples
“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.” “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".” “The International Labour Organization estimates that 12.7 million Filipinos - more than one in four workers - are employed in occupations exposed to generative AI, the highest share in South East Asia.” Etymology
From Middle English generatyve, generatyf, generatif, equivalent to generate + -ive. Compare French génératif.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/generative