Atypical Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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atypical
[eɪˈtɪpɪkəl ]
Definitions
behavior
Not representative of a type, group, or class; unusual or abnormal.
Synonyms
abnormal, uncommon, unconventional, unusual.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| atypical |
Use this word when something does not fit the standard or usual pattern.
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| unusual |
Use this word for things that are out of the ordinary but not necessarily negative or problematic.
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| abnormal |
Use this word when something is not normal and often implies a problem or concern.
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| uncommon |
Use this word for things that are rare or not often found.
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| unconventional |
Use this word for actions or things that do not follow traditional or standard ways.
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Examples of usage
- He has atypical eating habits.
- Her atypical behavior raised some concerns.
- The atypical response caught everyone by surprise.
medical
Not conforming to the normal type or standard.
Synonyms
anomalous, deviant, exceptional, irregular.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| atypical |
Used to describe something that is not typical or usual, often in a neutral or slightly positive way.
|
| irregular |
Used to describe something that does not follow a regular pattern or schedule, often in logistics or daily routines.
|
| anomalous |
Used for describing something that deviates from the norm and is unexpected, often with a scientific or technical connotation.
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| deviant |
Used to describe behavior or characteristics that significantly deviate from societal norms, often with a negative connotation.
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| exceptional |
Used to describe something or someone that stands out because of their outstanding characteristics or abilities, generally in a positive sense.
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Examples of usage
- The patient presented with atypical symptoms.
- The disease manifested in an atypical manner.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- In psychology, atypical behavior can indicate a variance that may lead to diagnosis, but not every strange behavior is negative.
- Embracing atypical traits can sometimes lead to creative problem-solving and innovation.
Education
- In educational settings, atypical learners may require different teaching methods to thrive.
- Recognizing atypical learning styles can enhance student engagement and success.
Pop Culture
- In movies and books, atypical characters often enrich the story by challenging traditional roles.
- Many famous artists are considered atypical because they break away from mainstream trends in their work.
Science
- In biology, atypical specimens can show unusual traits that contribute to our understanding of species variation.
- An atypical response to medication can help researchers learn more about drug effectiveness for different people.
Origin of 'atypical'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the prefix 'a-' meaning 'not' and 'typical' which means 'normal or usual'.
- It has been used in English since the early 20th century to describe deviations from the norm.
The word 'atypical' originated from the combination of the prefix 'a-' meaning 'not' and the word 'typical.' It first appeared in the late 19th century. The term is commonly used in various fields such as psychology, medicine, and sociology to describe something that deviates from the norm or standard.
See also: atypically, typicality, typically, typicalness.