Word
stereotypical
Phoneticsstereo·typ·i·cal
US/ˌstɛɹiəˈtɪpɪkəɫ/
UK/stˌɛɹɪəʊtˈɪpɪkəl/
Definitions
01based on a common image
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. matching a common but oversimplified idea of what a particular type of person or thing is like.
adj. conforming to a fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing, often lacking individual nuance.
“The movie was criticized for showing a stereotypical view of life in a small town.”
“The advertisement relied on stereotypical depictions of gender roles, which many viewers found outdated and offensive in a modern context.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02repetitive behavior
C2 · Proficiency Medicine Technical
adj. describes a physical movement or action that a person or animal repeats many times in the same way.
adj. relating to stereotypy; characterized by the frequent and seemingly purposeless repetition of physical movements or sounds.
“The tiger in the small cage showed stereotypical behavior by pacing back and forth all day.”
“Clinicians observed stereotypical motor patterns in the patient, which are often diagnostic markers for specific neurodevelopmental conditions.”
Usage
In medical contexts, this refers to physical actions rather than social ideas.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“But ask it to alter a person’s photo to make them look gay or straight – or criminal – and it often will, using stereotypical features.” “T he story of Google reads like the stereotypical tech company origin myth.” “The telenovelas - Latin American soap dramas - are stereotypical, over the top and melodramatic - but, also, highly successful.” “Dressed in a gray sweatshirt and khaki shorts, Lewis looks like a stereotypical college student.” Etymology
From stereotype + -ical.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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