Definition
A stereotype is a widely held but oversimplified and often inaccurate idea or belief about a particular group of people or things.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Noun
Synonyms
Cliché, generalization, preconception, bias, prejudice, assumption.
Antonyms
Individuality, uniqueness, diversity, open-mindedness.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | stereotypes, stereotype |
| Verb | stereotyped, stereotype, stereotypes, stereotyping |
| Adjective | stereotypic, stereotypical |
| Adverb | stereotypically |
Example Sentences
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The stereotype of the absent-minded professor is a common one, but not all academics fit that description.
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The stereotype of the lazy millennial is unfair and untrue, as many young people work hard to achieve their goals.
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The stereotype of the aggressive salesperson can be off-putting to customers, and many successful salespeople take a more collaborative approach.
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The stereotype of the ditzy blonde is offensive and outdated, and does not reflect the intelligence and capabilities of many women.
Usage
The word “stereotype” comes from the Greek words “stereos,” meaning solid, and “typos,” meaning type or impression. It refers to a widely held but oversimplified and often inaccurate idea or belief about a particular group of people or things. Stereotypes are often based on superficial characteristics such as race, gender, age, or occupation, and can lead to prejudice, discrimination, and unfair treatment.
The use of stereotypes can be harmful and limiting, as it reinforces narrow and often negative views of certain groups. Stereotypes can also be a form of cognitive bias, as they prevent individuals from seeing people as individuals and instead rely on preconceived notions about their group identity.
The word “stereotype” is a noun and does not have any common prefixes, suffixes, or variations. However, it can be combined with other words to create compound nouns or adjectives that further describe the type of stereotype being referred to. For example, the phrase “gender stereotype” emphasizes the role that gender plays in the stereotype, while the phrase “racial stereotype” emphasizes the role that race plays.
In conclusion, the word “stereotype” refers to a widely held but oversimplified and often inaccurate idea or belief about a particular group of people or things. Its associations with prejudice, discrimination, and cognitive bias suggest the need for greater awareness and understanding of individual differences, and a rejection of narrow and limiting views of others.