Stereotype: meaning, definitions and examples

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stereotype

 

[ ˈsteriəˌtaɪp ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

social

A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.

Synonyms

cliché, generalization, prejudice

Examples of usage

  • Gender stereotypes are still prevalent in society.
  • Breaking free from cultural stereotypes can be challenging.
  • People should not be judged based on stereotypes.
Context #2 | Noun

psychological

A standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group and that represents an oversimplified opinion, affective attitude, or uncritical judgment.

Synonyms

bias, label, stigma

Examples of usage

  • Stereotypes can impact how individuals perceive themselves.
  • Being aware of stereotypes can help prevent discriminatory behavior.

Translations

Translations of the word "stereotype" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estereótipo

🇮🇳 रूढ़िवादी धारणा

🇩🇪 Stereotyp

🇮🇩 stereotip

🇺🇦 стереотип

🇵🇱 stereotyp

🇯🇵 ステレオタイプ (sutereotaipu)

🇫🇷 stéréotype

🇪🇸 estereotipo

🇹🇷 stereotip

🇰🇷 고정관념 (gojeonggwan-nyeom)

🇸🇦 صورة نمطية (soora namtiya)

🇨🇿 stereotyp

🇸🇰 stereotyp

🇨🇳 刻板印象 (kèbǎn yìnxiàng)

🇸🇮 stereotip

🇮🇸 staðalímynd

🇰🇿 стереотип

🇬🇪 სტერეოტიპი

🇦🇿 stereotip

🇲🇽 estereotipo

Word origin

The term 'stereotype' originated in the printing industry, where a 'stereotype plate' was a solid plate of type metal cast from a papier-mâché or plaster mold taken from the surface of a forme of type. The meaning evolved to represent fixed or conventional notions or images, especially of a group of people. Stereotypes can be harmful as they oversimplify complex individuals and lead to discrimination.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,238, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.