stereotype Definition
a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.
Using stereotype: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "stereotype" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The stereotype of the absent-minded professor is well-known.
Example
She doesn't fit the stereotype of a CEO.
Example
The movie challenged racial stereotypes.
Example
The book explores gender stereotypes in society.
stereotype Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for stereotype
Antonyms for stereotype
Idioms Using stereotype
play into stereotypes
to behave in a way that confirms or reinforces an oversimplified and fixed image or idea of a particular group of people
Example
The politician's comments played into stereotypes about women in leadership positions.
to behave in a way that challenges or defies an oversimplified and fixed image or idea of a particular group of people
Example
The athlete broke the stereotype that women are not as strong as men.
the risk of confirming a negative stereotype about one's own group through one's behavior or performance
Example
The study found that students who were reminded of their race before taking a test performed worse due to stereotype threat.
Phrases with stereotype
a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular race or ethnicity
Example
The comedian's jokes relied heavily on racial stereotypes.
a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular gender
Example
The study found that girls are more likely to be subjected to gender stereotypes in school.
an oversimplified and harmful image or idea of a particular group of people
Example
The media often perpetuates negative stereotypes of immigrants.
Origins of stereotype
from French 'stéréotype', meaning 'printing plate'
Summary: stereotype in Brief
A 'stereotype' [ˈsteriətaɪp] is a widely held but oversimplified image or idea of a particular person or thing. It can be harmful and limiting, as seen in racial and gender stereotypes. The idioms 'play into stereotypes' and 'break the stereotype' describe behaviors that either reinforce or challenge stereotypes. 'Stereotype threat' refers to the risk of confirming a negative stereotype about one's own group through one's behavior or performance.
