stereotypical

American  

[ster-ee-uh-tip-i-kuhl, steer-] / ˌstɛr i əˈtɪp ɪ kəl, ˌstɪər- /

Also stereotypic

adjective

1. portraying a simplified and standardized conception or image, often one that is construed as derogatory.

   She is frustrated by the shallow and stereotypical roles that she is offered as an Asian actor.

   The stereotypical environmentalist is a white dude wearing sandals and tie-dye.

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Other Word Forms

• nonstereotypic adjective
• nonstereotypical adjective

Etymology

Origin of stereotypical

stereotyp(e) ( def. ) + -ical ( def. )

Example Sentences

These had to feel like real people with stereotypical flair, teenagers who were boxed into a category simply because that’s what high school social politics demand.

From Salon

The characters in Stowe’s story, though stereotypical, humanized enslaved Black people for white nineteenth-century readers.

From Literature

Usually engaged in anodyne activities, they present idealized versions of childhood: full of stereotypical sweetness, innocence and light.

From Los Angeles Times

‘Valentine’s Day is no longer all about roses and rosé … the stereotypical cliché gifts of the past are shifting to those that actually make everyday sense.’

From MarketWatch

He says the film gave the brothers an opportunity to challenge stereotypical representations of Nigeria.

From BBC

Related Words

• archetypal
• characteristic
• common
• customary
• ordinary
• prototypical
• stereotypic
• stock
• traditional
• typical
• usual