Typify Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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typify

[หˆtษชpษชfaษช ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in technology

To typify means to represent or symbolize a particular quality or characteristic.

Synonyms

embody, represent, symbolize.

Examples of usage

  • His actions typify the spirit of the organization.
  • The building typifies modern architecture.
Context #2 | Verb

in social behavior

To typify means to be a typical example of a particular group or category.

Synonyms

epitomize, exemplify, represent.

Examples of usage

  • She typifies the rebellious youth of today.
  • Their behavior typifies the attitude of the older generation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Linguistic Usage

  • In literature, authors often typify characters to represent broader ideas or themes, making messages clearer to readers.
  • The term can apply to various contexts, from science to everyday life, illustrating how something embodies a standard form or idea.
  • In grammar, itโ€™s used in a way that helps convey meaning by emphasizing the significance of examples in communication.

Cultural References

  • In film and television, characters are often created to typify certain social roles or stereotypes, affecting audience perception.
  • In art, certain styles or movements can typify the cultural essence of a specific time period or location.
  • Marketing often leverages typification by creating brand mascots that embody the values and qualities the brand wants to portray.

Science

  • In biology, species may be described by their typifying characteristics, which help classify living organisms.
  • Typification is crucial in taxonomy as it establishes standard reference specimens for species, allowing consistent identification.
  • In psychology, typifying behavior can assist researchers in understanding and categorizing different personality traits.

Education

  • Teachers often use examples to typify concepts or skills, helping students grasp complex ideas through relatable cases.
  • In standardized tests, employing typical representations of knowledge can indicate a student's understanding of the subject.
  • Curriculums may use well-typified content to ensure that learners engage with a range of concepts that reflect real-world applications.

Origin of 'typify'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'typikos', meaning 'of a type', which is connected to how we classify things.
  • It entered the English language in the late 16th century, illustrating the trend of adopting words from classical languages to describe concepts.
  • The suffix '-ify' implies making or causing something to be, transforming the noun 'type' into a verb.

The word 'typify' originated from the Greek word 'typos' which means a mark, impression, or form. The term has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe the act of representing or symbolizing a particular quality or characteristic.


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

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,605, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.