stereotype

2 synonyms for stereotype, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — An oversimplified, fixed idea about a whole group of people, often unfair or inaccurate.

Synonyms

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

stamp

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

pigeonhole

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

An oversimplified, fixed idea about a whole group of people, often unfair or inaccurate.

“The film leans on a lazy stereotype about small-town life.”

stamp pigeonhole

2. verb

To judge or portray someone based on an oversimplified idea of the group they belong to, rather than as an individual.

“The article was criticized for stereotyping an entire profession.”

pigeonhole stamp

How to use stereotype

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

fit the stereotype break the stereotype negative stereotype

Etymology

Borrowed from French stéréotype, originally a printing term for a solid metal plate; the "oversimplified idea about a group" sense dates to Walter Lippmann's 1922 book Public Opinion.

Full origin of stereotype →

Frequently asked questions

What does “stereotype” mean?

The word “stereotype” means an oversimplified, fixed idea about a whole group of people, often unfair or inaccurate. In plain terms, a generalized, often unfair label applied to a whole group, or the act of applying one.

How do you pronounce “stereotype”?

“Stereotype” is pronounced STEH-ree-uh-typ (/ˈstɛɹ.i.əˌtaɪp/ in IPA).

How do you use “stereotype” in a sentence?

Here is “stereotype” used in a sentence: “The film leans on a lazy stereotype about small-town life.”

What part of speech is “stereotype”?

Depending on how it is used, “stereotype” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “stereotype” come from?

The word “stereotype” dates back to around 1922 and comes from French. Borrowed from French stéréotype, originally a printing term for a solid metal plate; the "oversimplified idea about a group" sense dates to Walter Lippmann's 1922 book Public Opinion.

Is “stereotype” a common word?

“Stereotype” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “stereotype” have?

“Stereotype” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an oversimplified, fixed idea about a whole group of people, often unfair or inaccurate.

Related words

stereotypography stereotypy

People also searched

stamp pigeonhole

Nearby words

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