What is generic meaning?

Generic meaning refers to the general or universal sense of a word or phrase, as opposed to its specific or particular meaning in a particular context or situation. It is the basic or essential meaning of a term that is common to all instances of its use, regardless of the specifics of the situation or context in which it is used. For example, the generic meaning of the word "tree" refers to a large, woody plant with a single main stem and many branches, regardless of the specific type of tree or its particular characteristics. Generic meaning is important in language use as it enables people to communicate effectively and efficiently by having a shared understanding of basic concepts and terms.