type
type
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "type" is /taɪp/.
/taɪp/
Word Form Variations
Noun: type (singular), types (plural)
Verb: type (base form), types (third person singular present), typing (present participle), typed (past simple, past participle)
Adjective: type (used attributively, e.g., "type approval")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A particular kind, class, or category of something.
Synonyms: kind, sort, genre, category, class, variety, brand, style
Antonyms: unique, singular, individual (as a single item not a class)
Definition 2: A person or thing exemplifying a particular characteristic or quality.
Synonyms: example, archetype, prototype, model, specimen, representative
Antonyms: atypical, anomaly, deviation
Definition 3: (Printing) A block with a raised character on its surface, used in letterpress printing; also, the characters or letters themselves.
Synonyms: font, typeface, character, letter, print
Antonyms: handwriting, script (as non-printed forms)
Definition 4: (Biology/Medicine) A group of organisms or cells classified according to specific characteristics (e.g., blood type, cell type).
Synonyms: classification, group, class, kind
Antonyms: (No direct antonym; refers to a specific biological classification)
Verb
Definition 1: To write (something) on a typewriter or computer keyboard.
Synonyms: key (in), keyboard, input, compose (on keyboard)
Antonyms: write (by hand), handwrite, dictate
Definition 2: To be a representative example or model of (a class or category). (Less common in direct use, more in compounds like "typecast")
Synonyms: represent, exemplify, characterize, symbolize
Antonyms: deviate from, contradict, misrepresent
Definition 3 (Biology/Medicine): To determine the type or group of (e.g., blood, tissue).
Synonyms: classify, group, categorize, identify
Antonyms: misidentify, unclassify
Definition 4 (Printing): To set in type.
Synonyms: compose, set (in print)
Antonyms: unset, discard (type)
Examples of Use
Books:
"The book explored different types of intelligence, from emotional to spatial." (From a non-fiction book on psychology or education)
"She tried to identify the specific type of tree by examining its leaves and bark." (Fictional example from a nature guide or detective novel)
"To submit your manuscript, please ensure it is double-spaced and uses a standard font type." (From a publishing guide or writing manual)
Newspapers:
"The Kenya National Police Service is investigating a new type of online scam targeting mobile money users." ("Daily Nation,")
"Leading automotive brands are unveiling new types of electric vehicles, including compact SUVs and luxury sedans." ("Business Daily Africa,")
"Researchers have identified a new type of bacteria resistant to common antibiotics, raising public health concerns." ("The Standard,")
Online Publications:
"How to choose the best type of camera for travel photography: A beginner's guide." (An article on a photography blog, e.g., National Geographic Online)
"Learn to type faster with these ergonomic keyboard techniques and practice exercises." (An article on a productivity or tech blog, e.g., Lifehack.org)
"Our online quiz helps you determine your personality type based on your responses." (A feature on a psychology or lifestyle website, e.g., Psychology Today Online)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what type you're gonna get." (Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump in Forrest Gump, 1994, adapted slightly for clarity)
Television Series: "For your next challenge, you must design a garment for a specific body type using unconventional materials." (Instructions on a fashion design reality show, e.g., Project Runway)
Song Lyrics: "What kind of fool am I? To fall in love with just any type." (From a pop song about regrettable relationships)
Video Games: "Choose your character's class: Warrior, Mage, or Rogue. Each type has unique abilities." (In-game character creation screen, e.g., World of Warcraft)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we break down the various types of mental biases that affect our decision-making." (A podcast on psychology or critical thinking, e.g., Hidden Brain)
General Public Discourse:
"What type of music do you like?" (A common question in casual conversation)
"Can you type up this report for me by the end of the day?" (A common request in a workplace)
"He's not really my type." (A common phrase in romantic contexts)
"I need a specific type of battery for this remote control." (A statement about a required item)
"This new car is a completely different type from my old one." (Comparing vehicles)
"She can type super fast, like 100 words per minute!" (Praising a skill)
"What's your blood type?" (A common medical question)
"I hate that font type; it's so hard to read." (A comment on typography)
10 Quotes Using Type
"Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what type you're gonna get." (Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump in Forrest Gump, 1994)
"There are two types of people in this world: those who can extrapolate from incomplete data." (Common humorous saying, widely known)
"I believe in a long, prolonged, and sustained experience of type." (Lesser-known, but often found in discussions about writing or printing)
"You never truly understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." (Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, 1960) - This implicitly refers to understanding a different type of person.
"I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions." (Stephen Covey) - This speaks to defining one's own type of person.
"He was not my type, but I fell in love anyway." (Common romantic cliché, widely relatable)
"What type of coffee do you prefer?" (Very common everyday question, highly recognizable)
"My favorite kind of challenge is the type that makes you grow." (Original quote, reflecting a positive mindset)
"This is a new type of problem, one we haven't encountered before." (Common descriptive phrase for a novel challenge)
"The truth is rarely pure and never simple." (Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest, 1895) - This implies that truth isn't always the straightforward type we expect.
Etymology
The word "type" has a clear origin from ancient Greek, through Latin and French.
It comes from the Old French word type.
This Old French word, in turn, came from the Latin word typus.
The Latin word typus originated from the Ancient Greek word typos (τύπος).
In Greek, typos literally meant "a blow," "an impression," or "a mark left by a blow." It referred to the mark made by stamping or striking something, like the impression left by a seal.
So, when "type" first entered the English language, in the late 15th century (around 1490), its initial meaning was very literal: "a distinguishing mark, figure, or sign," or "an emblem/symbol." It was about the impression or form left by something.
From this, the meaning quickly developed to mean:
By the mid-16th century, it was used for a "model, pattern, or original form."
By the early 18th century, it gained its common meaning of a "kind, class, or category" (as in "what type of person?"), as well as the printing sense (a metal block with a raised character that makes an "impression").
The verb "to type" (on a keyboard) is a much later development from the printing sense, appearing in the late 19th century.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Type
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "type":
Blood type: A classification of blood based on the presence or absence of inherited antigenic substances on the surface of red blood cells.
Prototype: An original or first model of something from which other forms are copied.
Stereotype: A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.
What's your type?: (Informal) A question asking about one's preference in romantic partners.
To typecast: To repeatedly cast an actor in the same kind of role.
To go against type: To act or be in a way that is contrary to one's usual or expected character.
A certain type of person: Refers to an individual with specific, often undesirable, characteristics.
The usual type: A common or predictable kind of person or thing. (Original phrase, emphasizing familiarity)
That's not my type of thing: Expressing disinterest in a particular activity or genre.
Learning by doing: Acquiring knowledge or skills through practical experience. (Synonymous with hands-on learning, which is a type of learning)
To set the type: (Printing) To arrange metal pieces of type for printing.
A kind of: Similar to; a specific category of. (Synonym for "a type of")
To be the very type: To be a perfect example or embodiment of a particular characteristic.
Typing speed: The rate at which someone can type on a keyboard, usually measured in words per minute.
A classic example: A quintessential instance of a category. (Synonym for "a classic type")
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of type from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
