Stereotyped: meaning, definitions and examples

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stereotyped

 

[ ˈsteriəˌtaɪpt ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

common

Lacking originality or individuality; following a pattern or set of expectations. Conforming to a fixed or general pattern, as behavior or attitudes.

Synonyms

clichéd, conventional, predictable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stereotyped

This word appears twice but has the same meaning as the first entry, describing something that follows an oversimplified and fixed idea.

  • The portrayals of the characters were stereotyped and lacked originality
  • Her comments were based on stereotyped notions about the region
conventional

Used to describe something that adheres to traditional standards and norms, often implying safety and lack of innovation.

  • The design of the house is very conventional, with nothing out of the ordinary
  • She prefers wearing conventional dresses to stand out less
predictable

Used when something can be easily foreseen without any surprises, often leading to boredom.

  • The plot of the movie was so predictable that I guessed the ending in the first ten minutes
  • His actions have become quite predictable lately
clichéd

Used for ideas, phrases, or themes that are overused and lack original thought, often sounding trite.

  • The ending of the story was clichéd and unsatisfying
  • His speech was filled with clichéd expressions

Examples of usage

  • He had a stereotyped image of what a successful businessman should look like.
  • She felt trapped in a stereotyped role that society had assigned her.
  • The movie presented a stereotyped view of relationships between men and women.
Context #2 | Verb

past tense

Characterized by a formulaic and oversimplified conception, opinion, or image. To believe unfairly that all people or things with a particular characteristic are the same.

Synonyms

label, pigeonhole, stigmatize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stereotyped

Use this when referring to something that is an oversimplified and often unfair image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. This generally has a neutral to negative connotation.

  • The media often presents a stereotyped view of teenagers.
  • She was tired of being put into a stereotyped role at work.
pigeonhole

This word is used when categorizing someone or something too rigidly or narrowly, limiting possibilities and usually with a negative connotation.

  • They pigeonholed him as a technical person, ignoring his creative talents.
  • I don't want to be pigeonholed into a specific genre.
label

This is appropriate when assigning a name or category to someone or something in a simplistic way. It can have neutral, but often negative implications depending on context.

  • It's unfair to label her as just a troublemaker.
  • People often label others without knowing their full story.
stigmatize

Employ this word when referring to the act of treating someone in a way that makes them feel ashamed or disapproved, usually with a very negative connotation.

  • Society should not stigmatize individuals with mental health issues.
  • People are often stigmatized because of their backgrounds.

Examples of usage

  • She stereotyped all teenagers as troublemakers based on one bad experience.
  • He was stereotyped as a lazy worker because of his appearance.

Translations

Translations of the word "stereotyped" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estereotipado

🇮🇳 रूढ़िबद्ध

🇩🇪 stereotyp

🇮🇩 stereotip

🇺🇦 стереотипний

🇵🇱 stereotypowy

🇯🇵 定型化された

🇫🇷 stéréotypé

🇪🇸 estereotipado

🇹🇷 stereotipik

🇰🇷 고정관념적인

🇸🇦 نمطي

🇨🇿 stereotypní

🇸🇰 stereotypný

🇨🇳 刻板印象的

🇸🇮 stereotipen

🇮🇸 staðlaður

🇰🇿 стереотиптік

🇬🇪 სტერეოტიპული

🇦🇿 stereotipik

🇲🇽 estereotipado

Etymology

The term 'stereotyped' originates from the Greek word 'stereos,' meaning solid or firm, and 'typos,' meaning impression. In the 18th century, it was initially used in the printing industry to refer to a plate that could be used to reproduce the same image or text multiple times. Over time, the term evolved to describe fixed or unoriginal ideas or perceptions.

See also: stereotypically.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,831, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.