stereotype
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a common but often unfair or oversimplified idea about a group of people.
n.a conventional, formulaic, and often oversimplified conception or image of a person or group.
Simple“The film was criticized for relying on a lazy stereotype of teenagers.”
In context“Sociologists argue that even seemingly positive stereotypes can be harmful because they ignore the vast diversity within any specific cultural group.”
Synonyms - 02 C2 Proficiency
n.a metal plate used in old-fashioned printing to make many copies of a page.
n.a metal printing plate cast from a matrix moulded from a raised printing surface.
Simple“The museum displayed the original stereotype used to print the 19th-century newspaper.”
In context“The invention of the stereotype allowed for the mass production of books, as the original type could be reused while the plates did the heavy work.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to believe that someone has certain qualities just because of the group they belong to.
v.to categorise or characterise an individual or group based on a conventional or oversimplified image.
Simple“It is wrong to stereotype all young people as being lazy or irresponsible.”
In context“The marketing campaign was careful not to stereotype its target audience, opting instead for a diverse range of relatable scenarios.”
Synonyms
“We saw output that reflected social stereotypes , where mothers are strongly associated with parenting while fathers are strongly associated with being material providers.”
“Still, Diversity Shredder is a potent and unflinching critique of the stereotypes that box people in.”
Borrowed from French stéréotype (adjective), equivalent to stereo- + type. Printing sense is from 1817; the “conventional, formulaic, and oversimplified conception, opinion, or image” sense is recorded from 1922 in Walter Lippmann’s book Public Opinion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.