stereotypical
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
matching a common but oversimplified idea of what a particular type of person or thing is like.
conforming to a fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing, often lacking individual nuance.
Simple“The movie was criticized for showing a stereotypical view of life in a small town.”
In context“The advertisement relied on stereotypical depictions of gender roles, which many viewers found outdated and offensive in a modern context.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C2 Proficiency
describes a physical movement or action that a person or animal repeats many times in the same way.
relating to stereotypy; characterized by the frequent and seemingly purposeless repetition of physical movements or sounds.
Simple“The tiger in the small cage showed stereotypical behavior by pacing back and forth all day.”
In context“Clinicians observed stereotypical motor patterns in the patient, which are often diagnostic markers for specific neurodevelopmental conditions.”
UsageIn medical contexts, this refers to physical actions rather than social ideas.
Synonyms
“The 1910s envelope combination , a one-piece garment that combined the chemise and drawers, reshaped women’s lives, slimming down the stereotypical silhouette.”
From stereotype + -ical.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.