typical

The word “typical” means having the usual features of a particular type or group; representative. In plain terms, normal or expected for the kind of thing being described.

“Typical” is pronounced TIHP-ih-kuhl (/ˈtɪp.ɪ.kəl/ in IPA).

Here is “typical” used in a sentence: “A typical school day starts at eight thirty.”

“Typical” is an adjective.

The word “typical” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin typicalis, based on Latin typicus, tracing to the Greek word for "type" or "mark.".

“Typical” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

Typical describes something that has the usual features of its type and behaves as expected. Atypical is its direct opposite, describing something unusual that departs from the norm. A typical winter is cold and grey; an atypical winter might be unexpectedly mild. The prefix 'a-' simply reverses the meaning.

You might describe 'a typical Monday morning' — busy, rushed, and a little reluctant — because it captures what most Mondays are like. Other examples include typical behaviour for a toddler, a typical British summer, or a dish that is typical of a region. Each stands in for the wider group.

Typical is usually neutral, simply meaning representative or as expected. Tone can shift it, though: 'a typical sunny day' is pleasant, while an exasperated 'that's so typical' signals disappointment at a predictable letdown. Context and delivery decide whether it reads as fair description or mild complaint.

The clearest opposites are atypical, unusual, and untypical, all meaning something that does not fit the expected pattern. Depending on context you might also use exceptional, rare, uncharacteristic, or abnormal. Each signals that the thing stands apart from the usual features of its group rather than representing them.