Stereotype

Definition

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

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈstɛrɪəˌtaɪp/
• Respelling: STER-ee-uh-type (with "STER" as in "stern," "ee" as in "see," "uh" as a schwa sound like the 'a' in "sofa," and "type" as in "type")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈstɛrɪəˌtaɪp/
• Respelling: STER-ee-uh-type (similar to American English, with "STER" as in "stern," "ee" like in "see," "uh" as in "sofa," and "type" as in "type")

In both dialects, "stereotype" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "STER." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, accurately reflecting the word's phonetic structure and emphasis.

Etymology

The term "stereotype" dates back to the early 19th century, where it was used in printing to refer to a plate made from a mold. It derives from the French word "stéréotype," which in turn stems from the Greek words "stereos" (solid) and "typos" (impression).

Derivatives

• Stereotypical
• Stereotypically
• Stereotyper

Synonyms

Noun

• Cliché
• Typecast

Verb

• Typecast
• Pigeonhole

Antonyms

Noun

• Original
• Individual

Verb

• Differentiate
• Individualize

Usage

The word "stereotype" is commonly used in social sciences, especially in psychology and sociology, to discuss and analyze the fixed, oversimplified, and widespread ideas or perceptions towards particular groups or things.

Related Terms

• Stereotypy
• Stereopsis
• Stereogenic

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Generalized Perception: A widely held but fixed and simplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing, often not founded on reality.
• Example: The assumption that the British have stiff upper lips is a common stereotype.

• Printing: A metal printing plate cast from a matrix molded from a raised printing surface.
• Example: The stereotype made the printing process faster and more economical.

Verb

• To Categorize: To hold a fixed set of ideas about what a particular type of person or thing is like, especially ideas that are wrong or unfair.
• Example: It's not fair to stereotype whole communities based on the actions of a few individuals.