atypical
/ə'tipikəl/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Deviating from what is usual, normal, or expected; not typical. This is the core meaning, describing something that does not conform to the standard pattern, model, or type.
- Not representative of a group, class, or category. It indicates that something is an exception and cannot be used to define the characteristics of the larger set it belongs to.
Usage
The word "atypical" is used to describe nouns. It often carries a neutral or descriptive tone, though it can imply something is unusual or unexpected. It is commonly used in formal, academic, medical, and statistical contexts.
Examples
General Use:
- His career path has been atypical; he didn't go to university but started his own successful business.
- For this region, such warm weather in January is atypical.
Medical/Scientific Context:
- The patient presented with atypical symptoms, making the diagnosis difficult.
- This is an atypical strain of the virus.
Statistical/Social Context:
- The survey sample was atypical of the general population, so the results cannot be generalized.
- In that traditional community, her decision to live alone was seen as atypical.
Advanced Usage
- "Atypical of": This phrase is used to specify what group or norm something deviates from.
- His calm reaction was atypical of someone in that stressful situation.
- In psychology and medicine, "atypical" is a formal classification (e.g., , ).
Variants and Related Words
- Typical (adj): Having the distinctive qualities of a particular type; serving as a representative example. (Antonym)
- This is a typical example of Roman architecture.
- Atypically (adv): In a manner that is not typical.
- She was atypically quiet during the meeting.
Synonyms
- Unusual: Not habitually or commonly occurring or done.
- Abnormal: Deviating from what is normal or usual, typically in a way that is undesirable or worrying. (Often stronger and more negative than "atypical").
- Irregular: Not conforming to a regular pattern or standard.
- Uncharacteristic: Not typical of a particular person or thing.
Antonyms
- Typical
- Normal
- Standard
- Characteristic
- Representative
Notes on Meaning
The meaning of "atypical" is consistent: it signifies a deviation from a standard or norm. It does not inherently imply that the deviation is good or bad, though the context may provide that connotation. For instance, "atypical success" is positive, while "atypical failure" is negative. The key is that the success or failure occurred in an unexpected way.
Adjective
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deviating from normal expectations; somewhat odd, strange, or abnormal
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these days large families are atypical
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atypical clinical findings
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atypical pneumonia
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highly irregular behavior
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not representative of a group, class, or type
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a group that is atypical of the target audience
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a class of atypical mosses
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atypical behavior is not the accepted type of response that we expect from children
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