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Typical Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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typical

[ˈtɪpɪkəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

of a particular type

Having the distinctive qualities of a particular type of person or thing.

Synonyms

characteristic, distinctive, representative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
typical

Used again to emphasize what is normal or expected in given circumstances.

  • A typical day at the office starts at 9 AM
  • It's typical of him to forget his keys
characteristic

Highlights a trait or feature that is a distinguishing mark of a person or thing.

  • Patience is a characteristic of good teachers
  • His characteristic laughter filled the room
representative

Refers to someone or something that stands for a larger group or a larger set of qualities. It often offers an example or an instance that is typical of a larger reality.

  • This painting is representative of the artist's early work
  • The samples are representative of the entire population
distinctive

Used to describe something that uniquely identifies a person, place, or thing, making it easily recognizable.

  • The distinctive architecture makes the building stand out
  • She wore a distinctive hat that caught everyone's attention

Examples of usage

  • He has the typical characteristics of a leader.
  • This is a typical example of her work.
  • The behavior is typical of a child his age.
Context #2 | Adjective

usual

Having the qualities or characteristics that are usual or expected of a particular person, thing, or group.

Synonyms

common, normal, usual.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
typical

Suitable for describing something that is characteristic of a particular person, place, or thing. Often used to refer to expected or habitual features.

  • It is typical for him to arrive late to meetings
  • This dish is typical of Italian cuisine
usual

Good for referring to something that happens habitually or regularly. It is close in meaning to routine or customary.

  • He took his usual route to work
  • Can we meet at our usual café this weekend?
common

Best used when referring to something that is frequently encountered, widespread, or not rare. May sometimes carry a neutral or slightly negative connotation when used to imply lack of uniqueness or prevalence.

  • Sneezing is a common symptom of the flu
  • This plant is common in tropical regions
normal

Suitable for describing something that conforms to the standard or the usual state. Useful when talking about health, behavior, or any condition that is within the accepted range.

  • It is normal to feel nervous before an exam
  • This is just a normal day at the office

Examples of usage

  • It's typical for him to arrive late.
  • The delays were typical of the airline's service.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, typical behavior is often contrasted with atypical behavior, helping to understand normal development.
  • The concept of typical can vary widely among different cultures, highlighting the role of context in defining normality.
  • Cognitive biases often lead people to perceive things as 'typical' based on their personal experiences, which may not represent a wider truth.

Pop Culture

  • In films, a 'typical' character might be the 'boy next door' or the 'quirky best friend', embodying common stereotypes.
  • Songs often refer to 'typical' relationships to contrast extraordinary love stories, making them relatable.
  • Fashion trends often play on what is considered 'typical' for certain seasons, influencing trends that we see widely.

Science

  • In biology, a 'typical' organism refers to those that represent the average traits of a species, aiding in classification.
  • Typical patterns in weather data help meteorologists predict future conditions, impacting everything from agriculture to urban planning.
  • In statistics, a 'typical' value often refers to the mean or median, providing a quick understanding of a data set's center.

Literature

  • Literary works often explore what is 'typical' in a society to critique or reflect on cultural practices.
  • In character development, an author may create a 'typical' character as a point of comparison to highlight uniqueness or growth.
  • Narratives often fluctuate between typical occurrences and surprising twists to keep the audience engaged.

Origin of 'typical'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'typos', which means 'impression' or 'model'.
  • It entered English in the mid-19th century, expanding from the idea of models to describe common characteristics.
  • The suffix '-ical' indicates relating to something, making 'typical' mean relating to usual characteristics.

The word 'typical' originated from the Late Latin word 'typicus', which in turn came from the Greek word 'typikos', meaning 'of or belonging to a type'. The term has been used in English since the 1600s to describe something that is characteristic or usual of a particular type or person.

See also: prototype, subtype, type, typeface, types, typesetting, typewriter, typify, typing, typist, typography.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,747, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.