typical
TIHP-ih-kuhl
Typical (adj) means having the usual features of a particular type or group; representative. Example: “A typical school day starts at eight thirty.”
adj
1
Having the usual features of a particular type or group; representative.
"A typical school day starts at eight thirty."
"That kind of excuse is typical of him."
"This cottage is a typical example of the local stone building style."
How to use typical
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNormal or expected for the kind of thing being described.
Common pairings
a typical day
typical of
in typical fashion
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Word forms
- Plural
- typicals
- Comparative
- more typical
- Superlative
- most typical
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ school day starts at eight thirty.
Etymology
From Late Latin typicalis, based on Latin typicus, tracing to the Greek word for "type" or "mark."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for typical
See all rhymes for typical →Frequently asked questions
What does “typical” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “typical”?
“Typical” is pronounced TIHP-ih-kuhl (/ˈtɪp.ɪ.kəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “typical” in a sentence?
Here is “typical” used in a sentence: “A typical school day starts at eight thirty.”
What part of speech is “typical”?
“Typical” is an adjective.
Where does the word “typical” come from?
The word “typical” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin typicalis, based on Latin typicus, tracing to the Greek word for "type" or "mark.".
Is “typical” a common word?
“Typical” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between typical and atypical?
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.
What is an example of typical?
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.
Is typical a positive or negative word?
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.
What is the opposite of typical?
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.
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