Atypical
/ˌeɪˈtɪpɪkəl/noun
Not typical; not conforming to the usual type or pattern.
Did you know?Atypical is built from Greek a- “not” + typos “type, mark, impression,” the same ancient root behind typography, typewriter, and prototype — all words about making an imprint.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*teu-
“to swell, strike, or make a mark”
Ancient Greek
Greek
typos
“a blow, mark, impression, or model”
Late Greek
Greek
atypikos
“not according to type; irregular”
19th Century
English
atypical
“not typical or usual”
Modern English
English
atypical
“not usual, standard, or expected”
Explore more surprising origins