Word
prototypical
Phoneticspro·to·typ·i·cal, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌpɹoʊtəˈtɪpɪkəɫ/
UK/pɹˌəʊtəʊtˈɪpɪkəl/
Definition
adj. describing something that is a perfect or classic example of its kind. You use this when an object or person has all the most common features of a group.
adj. representing the original or standard form of something; serving as a typical example. Often used in academic contexts to describe an instance that possesses all the essential characteristics of a category.
Examples
“The robin is a prototypical bird.”
“The researcher argued that the small town was a prototypical example of mid-century suburban development.”
“While the novel contains several experimental elements, its structure remains prototypical of the 19th-century realist tradition, adhering to a linear timeline and an omniscient narrator.”
Examples
simple
“The robin is a prototypical bird.”
contextual
“The researcher argued that the small town was a prototypical example of mid-century suburban development.”
complex
“While the novel contains several experimental elements, its structure remains prototypical of the 19th-century realist tradition, adhering to a linear timeline and an omniscient narrator.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “prototypical” in context.
Verb
01. consider prototypical
“Most linguists consider this structure prototypical of the dialect.”
verb + adj
02. prototypical of
“The symptoms he described are prototypical of the virus.”
adj + prep
03. remain prototypical
“Despite modern updates, the original model remains prototypical of the brand.”
verb + adj
Adjective
04. fairly prototypical
“This design represents a fairly prototypical layout for a suburban home.”
adv + adj
05. highly prototypical
“The robin is often cited as a highly prototypical example of a bird.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. prototypical case
“This legal dispute serves as a prototypical case for property rights.”
adj + noun
07. prototypical example
“The skyscraper is a prototypical example of modern urban architecture.”
adj + noun
08. prototypical member
“He was viewed as the prototypical member of the local community.”
adj + noun
09. a prototypical instance of
“The event was a prototypical instance of bureaucratic inefficiency.”
10. be prototypical of the genre
“The film's dark atmosphere and cynical hero are prototypical of the noir genre.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun; often appears in academic or technical writing.
Real-World Examples
“These passport photo–type images are valuable for studying how people recognize clear, prototypical emotion expressions.” “In cognitive science, we say the carrot is “prototypical” – for our idea of a vegetable, it occupies the centre of the web of associations which defines the concept.” “Products such as Cola-Cola, Tide laundry detergent, and Chapstick lip balm are the prototypical products in their respective categories.” Etymology
From prototype + -ical.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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