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REFERENCE

typical

adj.
US //ˈtɪpəkəɫ// UK //tˈɪpɪkəl// typ·i·cal
  1. 1 representative of a group (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    having the usual features or qualities of a particular group or thing.

    exhibiting the essential or characteristic qualities of a specific class, group, or type.

    Example

    This is a typical English village with a small church and a green park.

    Example

    The architect pointed out the typical features of Gothic revivalism, such as the pointed arches and steep gables found throughout the cathedral.
  2. 2 expected behavior (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    happening in the way you expect, especially when someone always behaves that way.

    conforming to a predictable pattern of behavior or occurrence, often used with a mildly critical tone.

    Example

    It was typical of him to be late for the meeting again.

    Example

    While the delay was frustrating, it was typical of the local transport system during the peak holiday season.
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  1. 3 biological type (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    describing a plant or animal that is the best example of its scientific group.

    relating to or serving as a type specimen that defines a taxon.

    Example

    The museum has the typical specimen used to name this kind of butterfly.

    Example

    The researcher identified the typical subspecies by comparing its morphology to the original records held in the national archive.

    Usage

    Usually used in biological or taxonomic contexts to refer to a 'type species'.
Origin

From Late Latin typicalis, from Latin typicus (“typical”), from Ancient Greek τυπικός (tupikós, “of or pertaining to a type, conformable, typical”), from τύπος (túpos, “mark, impression, type”), equivalent to typic + -al and type + -ical.

Word family

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