Pigeonhole: meaning, definitions and examples
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pigeonhole
[ˈpɪdʒɪnhəʊl ]
Definitions
in a postal system
A small open compartment or cubbyhole in a desk, cabinet, or wall, used for sorting and storing mail or other small items.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pigeonhole |
Typically used in organizational settings, especially in offices or libraries, to describe a specific place where documents or items are kept. Can also mean categorizing someone in a narrow way, often negatively.
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| compartment |
Often used to describe a division or section in a larger container, vehicle, or structure. Useful in various scenarios such as travel, storage, or organization.
|
| cubbyhole |
Commonly used to describe a small, snug space for storage. Frequently found in homes, schools, or places where children are present. It often has a cozy connotation.
|
| slot |
Refers to a narrow opening or position meant for something specific. Can be used in contexts like scheduling, electronics, or physical structures.
|
Examples of usage
- The postman sorted the letters into each pigeonhole according to the street address.
- She found a stack of unopened mail in her pigeonhole at work.
in a bureaucratic context
To assign or categorize someone or something in a specific, often oversimplified way, without considering individual differences or complexities.
Synonyms
categorize, label, stereotype.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pigeonhole |
When you want to describe putting someone or something into a narrow or limited category, often with a negative connotation.
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| categorize |
In general contexts when you need to arrange or organize people or things into specific groups or classes based on shared characteristics.
|
| stereotype |
When you speak about a widely held but oversimplified and fixed idea of a particular type of person or thing, usually carrying a negative connotation.
|
| label |
When referring to attaching a tag or name to someone or something, often with a potential for both positive and negative implications.
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Examples of usage
- Don't pigeonhole him as just a comedian, he is a talented actor as well.
- We shouldn't pigeonhole this issue into a simple 'right' or 'wrong' category.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term comes from the literal pigeonholes used in offices to organize documents or letters.
- The word began to be used figuratively in the early 20th century to describe limiting categories for people or ideas.
Psychology
- Pigeonholing can lead to stereotypes, where individuals are judged based on limited traits or experiences rather than their full character.
- This cognitive bias can hinder understanding and acceptance of diverse perspectives, leading to miscommunication.
Pop Culture
- In movies and television, characters are often pigeonholed into specific roles based on their appearance or background, influencing how viewers perceive them.
- The term frequently appears in discussions about typecasting in the film industry—actors often find themselves pigeonholed into similar roles.
Education
- In academic settings, pigeonholing can occur when students are labeled based on early performance, potentially affecting their future opportunities.
- Teachers are encouraged to recognize the potential in all students rather than fitting them into predetermined categories.
Literature
- Authors often resist being pigeonholed into specific genres to maintain creative freedom and explore different writing styles.
- Critics sometimes pigeonhole works based on superficial themes, overlooking deeper meanings and complexities.
Translations
Translations of the word "pigeonhole" in other languages:
🇵🇹 compartimento
🇮🇳 कबूतरखाना
🇩🇪 Postfach
🇮🇩 kotak surat
🇺🇦 поштовий ящик
🇵🇱 przegródka
🇯🇵 仕切り箱
🇫🇷 casier
🇪🇸 casillero
🇹🇷 güvercin deliği
🇰🇷 우편함
🇸🇦 صندوق البريد
🇨🇿 přihrádka
🇸🇰 priehradka
🇨🇳 信箱
🇸🇮 predalček
🇮🇸 pósthólf
🇰🇿 пошта жәшігі
🇬🇪 საფოსტო ყუთი
🇦🇿 poçt qutusu
🇲🇽 casillero