Definition of the word stereotypically

The word "stereotypically" has its roots in the late 19th century. A "stereotype" originally referred to a metal plate or mold used in printing to reproduce identical images. In the 1840s, the term began to be used figuratively to describe a fixed, unchanging mental image or character type. The adjective "stereotypical" emerged in the late 1800s to describe something that conforms to or represents a familiar, oversimplified notion or idea. The word gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in social sciences and psychology, to describe the way people are often perceived or portrayed in a limited or oversimplified way. For example, a person may be stereotypically seen as "Asian" or "unreliable" based on certain assumptions or biases. Today, "stereotypically" is used to critique and challenge these preconceived notions, emphasizing the need for nuanced and accurate representations.