Definitions
- Describing something that is not typical or usual. - Referring to something that deviates from the norm or expected behavior. - Talking about something that is uncommon or unexpected.
- Describing something that is not typical or usual. - Referring to something that is abnormal or deviates from the norm. - Talking about something that is unusual or unexpected.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is not typical or usual.
- 2Both words refer to something that deviates from the norm or expected behavior.
- 3Both words can be used to describe something that is unusual or unexpected.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Untypical is less common than atypical and is more often used in British English.
- 2Connotation: Untypical suggests something that is not typical but may still be acceptable or within the range of normal variation, while atypical suggests something that is abnormal or outside the range of normal variation.
- 3Formality: Atypical is more formal than untypical and is often used in academic or technical writing.
- 4Prefix: Untypical uses the prefix 'un-' which means 'not', while atypical uses the prefix 'a-' which means 'not' or 'without'.
Remember this!
Untypical and atypical are synonyms that describe something that is not typical or usual. However, untypical is less common and more often used in British English, while atypical is more formal and often used in academic or technical writing. Additionally, untypical suggests something that is not typical but may still be acceptable or within the range of normal variation, while atypical suggests something that is abnormal or outside the range of normal variation.
