typical
gb/tˈɪpɪkəl/ us/tˈɪpɪkəl/
B1
English
~ 2000
tipikus, jellemző, vkire vall
B1
1
Usage pattern:
[something] is typical of [someone/something]
This painting is typical of the artist’s early work.
Ez a festmény tipikus példája a művész korai munkásságának.
Snow in April is not typical for this region.
Az áprilisi havazás nem jellemző erre a vidékre.
His reaction was typical of someone under stress.
The restaurant serves a typical Italian breakfast.
Learner examples
It is typical for him to be late.
Jellemző rá, hogy késik.
This is a typical house in my city.
Ez egy tipikus ház a városomban.
Rain is typical in autumn here.
Her dress is typical for a wedding.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'typical' with 'stereotypical', but 'stereotypical' often has a negative connotation of oversimplification.
Meaning
having the usual qualities
Collocations
typical example
|typical behavior
|typical day
|typical case
Synonyms
characteristic (Slightly more formal; often used in technical or descriptive contexts.)
|
normal (Implies what is common or expected, but can also refer to conformity to a standard.)
Antonyms
atypical (Direct opposite, meaning not having the usual qualities.)
|
unusual (Implies something is rare or uncommon compared to the norm.)
Themes
description
|comparison
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Being like most other things or people of the same kind.
Having the usual features or characteristics of a particular type of person, thing, or group.
B2
INFORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
That's typical [someone]
He forgot my birthday again—typical!
Már megint elfelejtette a születésnapomat — jellemző!
You’re late again. Typical John.
Már megint elkéstél. Ez annyira Johnra vall.
She left without saying goodbye, which is typical of her.
Learner examples
You are late again. Typical!
Már megint elkéstél. Jellemző!
He lost his keys again. Typical Tom.
Már megint elvesztette a kulcsait. Ez annyira Tomra vall.
She forgot my name. Typical her.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse this sense without realizing it can sound critical or sarcastic.
Meaning
predictable in an annoying way
Collocations
so typical
|pretty typical
|how typical
Synonyms
predictable (Neutral to slightly negative; focuses on something being expected.)
Antonyms
unexpected (Opposite in that it surprises you instead of matching expectations.)
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used when someone does something you expect them to do, and you are a little annoyed.
Used to describe behavior that is exactly what you expect from someone, often showing mild annoyance or criticism.
Grammar
Dictionary form
typical
IPA
GB/tˈɪpɪkəl/
US/tˈɪpɪkəl/
Syllables & stress
typ - ic - al (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (typ)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: typical
Word family
Expressions
fairly typical
1/fˈɛɹli tˈɪpɪkəl/
fixed phrase
quite usual or normal for something
Means that something is quite usual but not completely.
Examples
- This kind of weather is fairly typical for spring here.
- Her answer was fairly typical for someone in her position.
pretty typical
1/pɹˈɪti tˈɪpɪkəl/
fixed phrase
informal
very usual, often annoyingly so
Used to say that something happens in the way you expect, often with some annoyance.
Examples
- He forgot to call me back—pretty typical.
- Late trains are pretty typical on Mondays.
typical of
1/tˈɪpɪkəl əv/
fixed phrase
showing usual qualities of something
Shows that something has the normal qualities of a person or thing.
Examples
- That style of dress is typical of the 1980s.
- His calm reaction is typical of experienced pilots.