generative

adjective

gen·​er·​a·​tive ˈje-nə-rə-tiv 

ˈjen-rə-tiv,

ˈje-nə-ˌrā-tiv 

: having the power or function of generating, originating, producing, or reproducing

… Elizabeth Gilbert dives into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity.

—Camryn La Sala

… her gift is essentially organizational rather than generative.

—Martin Filler

: such as

a

biology : of or relating to the production of offspring

vegetative and generative plant growth

the generative organs of mammals

see also generative cell, generative nucleus

b

computing : using artificial intelligence algorithms to create complete units of content (such as text compositions, images, audio, or video) based on a broad corpus of material

Unlike the phone's predictive text feature, ChatGPT is said to be generative (the G in GPT).

—JoElla Carman and Jasmine Cui

see also generative AI

Examples of generative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This content was summarized by generative artificial intelligence using public filings retrieved from SEC.gov. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 7 Feb. 2025

However, not all AI is generative, and machine learning technology has quickly become a vital tool for many filmmakers to realize their visions. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 7 Feb. 2025

An update that takes advantage of breakthroughs in generative artificial intelligence could have a similar effect on the market, but the technology remains inconsistent in many areas, making the update a gamble. —Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025

Quartz Intelligence Newsroom uses generative artificial intelligence to report on business trends. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing generative

• generative AI
• generative artificial intelligence
• generative cell
• generative grammar
• generative nucleus
• generative semantics

Medical Definition

generative

adjective

gen·​er·​a·​tive ˈjen-(ə-)rət-iv  -ə-ˌrāt- 

: having the power or function of propagating or reproducing

generative organs