Generation Meaning
Generation Definition & Usage
A group of individuals born and living around the same time, typically spanning around 20–30 years, and sharing similar experiences and cultural traits.
Examples
- "The millennial generation is often defined by its familiarity with technology and social media."
- "Different generations may have differing opinions on issues like work ethics and politics."
- "The older generation tends to view changes in society with more skepticism."
- "He believes the younger generation is more open-minded and progressive."
- "In a classroom, students from different generations often bring diverse perspectives."
The act or process of producing offspring or descendants.
Examples
- "Each generation of that family has been farmers for generations."
- "The plant's ability to reproduce is essential for the survival of the generation."
- "Over generations, the family business has been passed down."
- "Through selective breeding, the next generation of dogs will have improved traits."
- "Scientists are studying how different generations of animals adapt to changing environments."
A stage in the development of something, especially technology, marked by significant innovation or improvement.
Examples
- "The fourth generation of smartphones includes features like 5G connectivity and improved cameras."
- "This new software is the latest generation of a system that has been evolving for decades."
- "The automotive industry is moving towards a new generation of electric vehicles."
- "The next generation of video games will feature virtual reality capabilities."
- "We are on the cusp of the next generation of artificial intelligence applications."
Cultural Context
The concept of generation is central to discussions in both sociology and biology. It helps to categorize people based on shared life experiences or common historical events. It is also used in the context of technological advancement to describe the evolution of products, from early versions to the most current innovations.
The Ties That Bind
Story
The Ties That Bind
In the bustling town of Langston, three generations of the Rivers family gathered in the old house that had stood for over a century. There was Margaret, the matriarch, whose voice was laced with memories of times long gone; Ben, her son, a man of middle age who had seen the world change in ways his mother could never have imagined; and little Emma, Ben’s daughter, who lived in a world that felt both familiar and new. The family reunion was a yearly tradition, and it was during these times that the significance of ‘generation’ seemed most tangible. Margaret smiled as she watched Emma play in the garden, her thoughts drifting back to her own childhood. 'You know, in my day, we didn't have any of these gadgets,' she said, pointing to the smartphone in Ben's hand. 'We made our fun outside, just like Emma.' Ben chuckled. 'Times change, Mom. It’s not just the gadgets. It’s how we connect, how we work, and what we believe.' He looked over at Emma, whose head was bent in concentration over her tablet screen. 'The younger generation sees the world differently. They’re going to do things we never thought possible.' Later that evening, as the family gathered for dinner, the conversation turned to the future. Emma piped up, 'I can’t wait to see the next generation of video games!' Margaret raised an eyebrow. 'Are you telling me that what you have now isn’t enough? What will they think of next?' Ben laughed. 'You’d be amazed, Mom. Every generation brings new ideas. It’s a cycle of progress.' As they sat around the table, it became clear that the term ‘generation’ didn’t just apply to age. It was about a shared journey, the passing down of knowledge, and the constant evolution of ideas, technology, and values. Each generation leaves its mark, but it’s the connections between them that bind the family—and the world—together across time. For Margaret, it was a reminder that while the world changes, some things remain constant: love, family, and the hope that each new generation will be better than the last.
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