stereotype
STAIR-ee-uh-type
/ˈstɛr.i.ə.taɪp/
A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.
Implies a rigid generalization that ignores individual variation and nuance.
The story behind the word. Originally a printing term invented in 1798 by Firmin Didot! It combined Greek 'stereos' (solid, rigid) and 'typos' (impression). Metal plates cast from a mold were called stereotypes because they couldn't be changed. Journalist Walter Lippmann applied it to human psychology in 1922.
Word relationships
- cliché: Cliché refers to an overused phrase or artistic plot trope, while stereotype refers to simplified views of groups.
- individuation: Recognizing unique individual qualities rather than group generalizations.
Commonly confused with
- archetype: An archetype is an ideal prototype or classic model, while a stereotype is an oversimplified prejudice.
Word family
- stereotypical (adjective): Conforming to a stereotype.
- stereotypically (adverb): In a manner consistent with a stereotype.
Collocations
- gender stereotype
- cultural stereotype
- perpetuate a stereotype
- break a stereotype
Example sentences
- "Coeducational classrooms can help break down the stereotype that boys are naturally better at mathematics than girls." Gender research in education
Memory hook
STEREO (solid/rigid) TYPE (printed letter): a rigid pattern stamped on people. Rigid stamped impression.
When not to use
Avoid using for accurate, nuanced statistical averages; stereotypes are rigid and oversimplified assumptions.
Fun facts
- Before it meant a mental cliché, a stereotype was a solid lead printing plate used to duplicate newspaper pages!
Related words
Explore more words
stigmatize, standardized, standardize, homogenization, standard, mainstream
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