Typical
/ˈtɪp.ɪ.kəl/noun
Conforming to a type; characteristic of a particular person, thing, or group.
Did you know?Typical ultimately traces back to Greek typos, a word for a blow, stamp, or impression—so hidden inside this everyday adjective is the ancient idea of something being *pressed into shape*.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
typos
“a blow, mark, impression, or form made by striking”
Late Greek
Greek
typikós
“pertaining to a model or pattern”
Late Latin
Latin
typicus
“pertaining to a type or figure”
16th Century
English
typical
“representative of a type or class”
Modern English
English
typical
“showing the characteristics expected of a particular kind or person”
Explore more surprising origins