Prototypical: meaning, definitions and examples

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prototypical

 

[ ˌprəʊtəˈtaɪpɪkəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

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

Translations of the word "prototypical" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prototípico

🇮🇳 प्रोटोटाइपिकल

🇩🇪 prototypisch

🇮🇩 prototipikal

🇺🇦 прототипний

🇵🇱 prototypowy

🇯🇵 プロトタイプの

🇫🇷 prototypique

🇪🇸 prototípico

🇹🇷 prototipik

🇰🇷 전형적인

🇸🇦 نموذجي

🇨🇿 prototypický

🇸🇰 prototypický

🇨🇳 原型的

🇸🇮 prototipičen

🇮🇸 módel

🇰🇿 прототиптік

🇬🇪 პროტოტიპული

🇦🇿 prototipik

🇲🇽 prototípico

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,705, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.