Prototypical Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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prototypical
[หprษสtษหtaษชpษชkษl ]
Definition
general use
Prototypical refers to something that serves as a typical example or model of a particular type or category. It is often used to describe an instance that embodies the essential qualities or characteristics of a broader class.
Synonyms
exemplary, model, representative, standard, typical.
Examples of usage
- She is a prototypical leader, demonstrating all the qualities we admire.
- This design is considered prototypical for modern architecture.
- The study focuses on prototypical behaviors in social interactions.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- In biology, prototypical organisms serve as representatives for whole species, like how a wolf is a prototypical canid.
- In psychology, prototypical representations help in understanding how we classify and categorize the world around us.
- Prototypical models are used in engineering to display the core aspects of a product before full production.
Pop Culture
- Many iconic characters in movies, like Superman or Sherlock Holmes, are seen as prototypical heroes or detectives.
- Fashion often features prototypical styles that set trends for future designs, like the classic little black dress.
- In literature, a prototypical story structure can be identified in fairy tales, where every tale follows a similar pattern.
Education
- Teachers use prototypical examples in lessons to help students grasp complex ideas, making learning easier.
- Textbooks often include a prototypical case study to illustrate a concept in a way thatโs relatable and easily understood.
- In debates, the use of prototypical arguments can strengthen one's position by providing a clear standard for comparison.
Technology
- Tech companies create prototypical gadgets to test new features before launching them to the public.
- Software development often starts with a prototypical application to identify potential user experiences and gather feedback.
- Prototypical designs in user interface (UI) are essential for ensuring a product meets user needs before actual development.
Origin of 'prototypical'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from 'prototype,' which is made up of 'proto-' meaning 'first' and 'type,' meaning 'kind' or 'sort.'
- It first appeared in the English language in the early 20th century, reflecting new trends in design and technology.
- The prefix 'proto-' has Greek origins, often denoting something that comes before or serves as a model.
The word 'prototypical' is derived from the noun 'prototype,' which originates from the Greek word 'prototypon,' meaning 'original model.' The term has been used in English since the 19th century, primarily in the fields of design, engineering, and education to describe something that is typical or representative of a particular class or group. The suffix '-ical' is added to form an adjective that conveys the quality or nature of being a prototype. Over time, 'prototypical' has become widely used not only in technical contexts but also in everyday language to discuss examples that represent broader categories, making it an essential term in discussions about characteristics, behaviors, and models.