Pigeonhole Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฌ
pigeonhole
[หpษชdสษชnhษสl ]
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.
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| 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.
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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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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 industryโactors 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.
Origin of 'pigeonhole'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The term 'pigeonhole' originated in the 17th century, referring to the small compartments used by pigeon fanciers to house their birds. Over time, it evolved to describe the small compartments or slots used for sorting and storing mail or other items. The verb form, meaning to categorize or label in a simplistic way, emerged later in the 20th century, likely influenced by the physical pigeonholes used in organizational contexts.