generative
/ˈdʒenərətɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdʒenərətɪv/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈje-nə-rə-tiv ˈjen-rə-tiv, ˈje-nə-ˌrā-tiv/ (ame, mw)
generative — adjective
- generativepositive
- more generativecomparative
- most generativesuperlative
1. describing the ability or capacity to bring something new into existence — wheth
describing the ability or capacity to bring something new into existence — whether physical objects, ideas, systems, or creative works — rather than simply maintaining what already exists.
The human mind has a remarkable generative capacity for new ideas and art.
collocation: generative capacity
Professor Dinh described language as a generative system that allows endless new sentences.
attributive use: generative + noun (system)
The compost pile served as a generative source of nutrients for young tomato plants.
Yuki's generative energy inspired the design team to explore bold new directions.
The community centre became a generative space where locals shared skills and started businesses.
- productive
Focuses on actual output or yield rather than the inherent capacity to produce. 'A productive meeting achieved concrete results.'
- creative
Emphasises originality and imagination, especially in the arts. 'Generative' can describe both creative and mechanical/structural production.
- fertile
Used literally for soil that supports abundant growth, or metaphorically for conditions rich in potential. 'Generative' tends to describe the mechanism or system of production itself.
- unproductive
Lacking the capacity to yield useful results.
- destructive
Having the opposite effect — breaking things down rather than bringing them into being.
- barren
Describes a complete absence of creative or productive capacity.
文法句型
generative + noun
be + generative
用法筆記
Often used in formal or academic contexts, particularly in linguistics (generative grammar), philosophy, and systems theory. Typically appears attributively before a noun.
常見錯誤
2. relating to the biological process through which living organisms produce young
relating to the biological process through which living organisms produce young or new members of their species, especially in scientific contexts involving reproduction, heredity, and the organs or systems that make this possible.
The biology textbook included a detailed diagram of the human generative system.
collocation: generative system (biological)
Kwame's research focused on the generative organs of tropical flowering plants in Ghana.
attributive: generative organs
Dr. Elena Torres explained that generative health declines gradually after the age of thirty-five.
The farmer chose the healthiest animals for their strong generative traits.
Environmental toxins can damage the generative capacity of freshwater fish.
- reproductive
The more common and widely understood term in both general and medical usage. 'Generative' is rarer and more formal.
- procreative
Specifically refers to sexual reproduction in humans and animals; narrower in scope than 'generative'.
- fertile
Describes the ability to conceive or produce offspring, often used for individuals rather than systems or organs.
文法句型
generative + noun
用法筆記
Primarily used in formal scientific or medical writing. 'Reproductive' is the more common everyday equivalent; 'generative' sounds markedly technical and is mostly found in textbooks and research papers.