Atypically Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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atypically

[ษ™หˆtษชpษชkli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in a different way

Not conforming to the usual rule or type; uncharacteristic.

Synonyms

abnormally, uncharacteristically, unusually.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
atypically

When describing something that deviates from the norm or what is typical, but without strong negative connotations.

  • He performed atypically well on the test
  • The weather was atypically warm for this time of year
unusually

Used to describe something that is not usual or common, often neutral or positive in connotation.

  • The cake was unusually delicious
  • He was unusually calm given the circumstances
abnormally

Use this when indicating something that is not normal, often with a slightly negative or concerning connotation.

  • Her heart rate was abnormally high
  • The machine was making an abnormal noise
uncharacteristically

When someone or something behaves in a way that is not typical of them, often implying surprise or unusual change in behavior.

  • He was uncharacteristically quiet during the meeting
  • She uncharacteristically showed up late

Examples of usage

  • He approached the problem atypically, coming up with a unique solution.
  • Her atypically quiet behavior raised some concerns among her friends.
Context #2 | Adjective

not typical

Not representative of a type, group, or class.

Synonyms

abnormal, non-typical, unusual.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
atypically

Used to describe something that deviates slightly from the norm. Often used in scientific or medical contexts where precision is needed.

  • The patient presented atypically, not showing the usual symptoms of the disease
unusual

Describes something that differs from what is common or expected, but not necessarily in a negative way. Suitable for everyday conversation.

  • She has an unusual hobby of collecting antique musical instruments
non-typical

Similar to 'not typical,' this term describes something that doesnโ€™t conform to the usual type or expectations. Often used in informal or descriptive contexts.

  • It's non-typical for this region to experience such heavy snowfall
abnormal

Implies a significant deviation from what is normal or expected, often with a negative connotation. Commonly used in medical, psychological, or social settings.

  • The test results came back abnormal, indicating a potential health issue

Examples of usage

  • The atypical weather conditions caused a lot of confusion.
  • His atypical approach to painting made him stand out among other artists.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, atypical behavior might refer to actions or thoughts that stray from societal norms, which can be important in diagnosing mental health conditions.
  • Children diagnosed with atypical development may show unique strengths and challenges compared to their peers.
  • Understanding atypical behavior helps in creating tailored educational approaches that meet diverse needs.

Science

  • In natural sciences, an atypical specimen in a study can provide crucial insights into species adaptation and evolution.
  • Atypical results in experiments may suggest errors, but they can also prompt new hypotheses or discoveries.
  • In statistics, atypical values, known as outliers, can influence the results of data analysis significantly.

Pop Culture

  • Many artists create works that are deliberately atypical, pushing boundaries to express unique perspectives.
  • Atypical characters in films and literature often challenge stereotypes and add depth to storytelling.
  • Television shows that feature atypical situations or characters can resonate with audiences seeking fresh narratives.

Education

  • Atypical learners may require different teaching methods to thrive, highlighting the importance of personalized education.
  • Classrooms that embrace atypical thinking often foster creativity and innovation amongst students.
  • Programs designed for atypical learners encourage collaboration and respect for diverse viewpoints.

Origin of 'atypically'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'a-' means 'not' or 'without' in Greek, while 'typical' comes from 'typos,' meaning 'pattern' or 'model.'
  • The word has been used in English since the early 20th century to describe things that deviate from the norm.
  • Atypical can be applied across various fields, including medicine, behavior science, and art, to highlight variations.

The word 'atypically' is derived from the word 'atypical', which is a combination of the prefix 'a-' meaning 'not' and the word 'typical'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-19th century.


See also: atypical, typicality, typically, typicalness.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,137, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.