Definition

A widely held but oversimplified idea or image about a particular group of people or things.

Example

Many people believe in the stereotype that all teenagers are irresponsible.

Conversation

I hate how people always fall into a stereotype about artists being messy.

Yeah, it's such a narrow view of what creativity looks like.

Exactly! There's so much more to us than that one image.

Totally, we can be organized and still be artistic!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To categorize someone or something in a fixed and oversimplified way, often based on preconceived notions or generalizations.

Example

Many people stereotype others based on their appearance or background.

Tense Forms

Conversation

It's frustrating how people stereotype others based on their appearance.

I know, right? It happens all the time, especially in movies.

Exactly! It's like they can't see beyond that one trait.

Root Explanation

Stereotype → It is formed from "stereos" (from Greek, meaning solid or firm) and "typos" (from Greek, meaning impression or type). The word refers to a solid or fixed impression of a particular type of person or thing.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'solid' ('stereos') 'impression' ('typos') that people have about others — that's why stereotype means a fixed idea about a group.

Visually Confused Words