English Reference
adjective

typical

adj.
US /ˈtɪpəkəɫ/ UK /tˈɪpɪkəl/ typ·i·cal

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    The architect pointed out the typical features of Gothic revivalism, such as the pointed arches and steep gables found throughout the cathedral.

  2. 02 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    While the delay was frustrating, it was typical of the local transport system during the peak holiday season.

  3. 03 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    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'.

Don't confuse

typical vs classic — Classic describes a perfect or definitive example of a style, while typical describes what is normal or expected for a specific group.

Usage fairly typical · respectively typical


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.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Ancient Greek τυπικός
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated