generator
B2Neutral to Technical
Definition
Meaning
A machine or device that produces something, most commonly electricity.
Anything that creates, produces, or initiates something else; can be a person, process, algorithm, or software that generates content, ideas, or sequences.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. While 'generate' is a verb, 'generator' refers specifically to the agent or instrument of generation. The core sense is mechanical/electrical, but metaphorical extensions (e.g., 'idea generator') are common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. UK English may use 'dynamo' more specifically for DC electricity generation, but 'generator' is standard for both.
Connotations
Identical. Both associate it with power, creation, and backup energy sources.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[ADJ] generatorgenerator [PREP] [NP] (e.g., generator of electricity, generator for the house)generator [REL CLAUSE] (e.g., a generator that runs on petrol)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly with 'generator']”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to backup power for operations or software that automates report/content creation.
Academic
Used in physics, engineering, and computer science (e.g., random number generator, function generator).
Everyday
Primarily a device for producing electricity during a power cut or for camping.
Technical
A precise term for a machine converting mechanical energy to electrical energy, or an algorithm producing sequences.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The campsite had a small generator for light.
- The power cut lasted hours, but we had a generator.
- We bought a portable generator in case of storms.
- The hospital's backup generator started automatically.
- The wind farm uses turbines as its primary electricity generators.
- This software includes a strong password generator for security.
- The quantum algorithm acted as a true random number generator, unlike pseudorandom digital ones.
- Critics argued the policy was a generator of social inequality, not a solution.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GENERATE + OR' = The thing that DOES the generating.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOURCE (A generator is a source of X). FATHER/MOTHER (A generator is the origin or parent of something).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'генератор' for person; in English, it's primarily a machine/device. For a person, 'originator' or 'creator' is better. Don't confuse with 'engine' (двигатель) – an engine consumes fuel to create motion; a generator uses motion to create electricity.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'generator' for a person who generates ideas (possible but less common). Confusing 'generator' (makes electricity) with 'motor' or 'engine' (uses electricity/fuel to create motion). Misspelling as 'generater'.
Practice
Quiz
In a computer science context, a 'random number generator' is best described as:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A generator creates electricity from mechanical energy (e.g., fuel combustion, wind). A battery stores chemically produced electricity for later release.
Rarely in modern English. It's possible (e.g., 'He was a prolific generator of ideas'), but 'originator', 'creator', or 'producer' is more natural for people.
Historically, cars had DC generators. Modern cars use 'alternators' which generate AC current, then rectify it to DC to charge the battery. In casual speech, 'generator' is sometimes used, but 'alternator' is technically precise.
Yes, in technical/industrial contexts. 'Genset' (short for generator set) often refers to a packaged unit containing an engine, generator, and ancillary equipment.