generation a: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Semi-formal, Informal (core meaning is neutral, extended technical meanings are more formal)
Quick answer
What does “generation a” mean?
All the people born and living at about the same time, regarded collectively.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
All the people born and living at about the same time, regarded collectively; also a single stage in the succession of a family, or the average period (about 30 years) between such stages.
The action or process of producing, creating, or bringing into existence (e.g., generation of electricity, heat, ideas); also a group of products or systems with a similar design or function, produced at roughly the same time (e.g., a new generation of computers).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal lexical difference. 'Baby boomer generation' is equally common. 'Generation Z' is standard in both.
Connotations
Similar connotations of change, succession, and shared cultural identity across both varieties.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects, used across all registers.
Grammar
How to Use “generation a” in a Sentence
generation of + noun (the generation of electricity)generation + noun (generation gap)adjective + generation (younger generation)ordinal number + generation (third generation)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “generation a” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - 'generate' is the verb form.
American English
- N/A - 'generate' is the verb form.
adverb
British English
- N/A - No direct adverbial form. 'Generationally' is rare and technical.
American English
- N/A - No direct adverbial form. 'Generationally' is rare and technical.
adjective
British English
- They are a generation apart in age.
- The inter-generational report outlined future challenges.
- This is a first-generation prototype.
American English
- There's a generational shift in attitudes.
- We need cross-generational dialogue.
- He's a second-generation American.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to revenue/profit generation, next-generation products/services, or leadership succession planning.
Academic
Used in sociology (generational studies), biology (cell generation), technology (product lifecycle), and environmental science (power generation).
Everyday
Commonly used to discuss family, age differences, cultural trends, and new models of devices (phones, cars).
Technical
In engineering: the production of electricity, heat, or signals. In computing: refers to stages in hardware/software development (5th generation).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “generation a”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “generation a”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “generation a”
- Using 'generation' to mean only 'young people' (e.g., 'The generation likes music' – specify *which* generation).
- Confusing 'generation' with 'creation' in abstract contexts ('the generation of peace' is odd; 'the creation of peace' is better).
- Misspelling as 'genaration'.
- Using wrong preposition: 'in my generation' (correct), not 'on my generation'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring to the specific demographic cohort, it is capitalized: Generation Z. The generic term 'younger generation' is not.
'Creation' often implies artistic or deliberate invention from nothing. 'Generation' is more functional/mechanical, focusing on the process of producing something (like power, heat, data, or offspring).
Yes, it's very common for technology (a new generation of processors), ideas, or even biological cells (bacterial generation time).
It typically refers to a student who is the first in their immediate family to attend university.
All the people born and living at about the same time, regarded collectively.
Generation a is usually formal, semi-formal, informal (core meaning is neutral, extended technical meanings are more formal) in register.
Generation a: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdʒenəˈreɪʃn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdʒenəˈreɪʃn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Generation gap”
- “A chip off the old block (relating to familial generation)”
- “Next-generation (as an adjective)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a family TREE. Each major branch is a new GENERATION of leaves (people). Or, a GENERATOR creates power—GENERATION is the act of creating.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS LINEAR SUCCESSION (one generation follows another); PRODUCTION IS BIRTH/ORIGIN (generation of ideas).
Practice
Quiz
In the phrase 'third-generation immigrant', what does 'generation' refer to?