/ ˈsteriətaɪp; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
a fixed idea or image that many people have of a particular type of person or thing, but which is often not true in reality :
cultural / gender / racial stereotypes
He doesn't conform to the usual stereotype of the businessman with a dark suit and briefcase.
► stereo·typ·ical / ˌsteriəˈtɪpɪkl; NAmE / adjective :
the stereotypical image of feminine behaviour
■ verb
[ vn ] [ often passive ] ~ sb (as sth) to form a fixed idea about a person or thing which may not really be true :
Children from certain backgrounds tend to be stereotyped by their teachers.
Why are professors stereotyped as absent-minded?
► stereo·typed adjective :
a play full of stereotyped characters
► stereo·typ·ing noun [ U ]:
sexual stereotyping
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WORD ORIGIN
late 18th cent.: from French stéréotype (adjective).