ENGLISH
REFERENCE

typical

adj.
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈtɪpəkəɫ// UK //tˈɪpɪkəl// typ·i·cal General-service

adj. having the usual features or qualities of a specific group, person, or thing. You use it when something happens exactly as you expect it to.

adj. exhibiting the essential characteristics of a group, class, or type; conforming to an expected pattern. Often used to describe behavior that is predictable or representative of an individual's personality.


SIMPLE

It was a typical rainy day in London.

CONTEXTUAL

The menu offers typical Italian dishes like pasta and pizza that you can find in almost any restaurant.

COMPLEX

While the architecture is typical of the late Victorian period, the interior has been renovated with modern materials that create a striking contrast.

Synonyms
Antonyms
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.

Usage

Typically placed before the noun it modifies; can also follow a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem'.

Pitfall

It is typical for he to be lateIt is typical of him to be lateWhen describing a person's characteristic behavior, use the preposition 'of' followed by an object pronoun.

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