ˈstir-
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What is the Difference Between cliché and stereotype?
The words cliché and stereotype have a good deal in common. Both come from French, both were originally printers’ terms, and both have come to take on somewhat negative meanings in modern use.
Their original meanings are essentially synonymous, referring to printing blocks from which numerous prints could be made. In fact, cliché means stereotype in French. Their modern meanings, however, are quite distinct. Cliché is today overwhelmingly encountered in reference to something hackneyed, such as an overly familiar or commonplace phrase, theme, or expression. Stereotype is most frequently now employed to refer to an often unfair and untrue belief that many people have about all people or things with a particular characteristic.
Examples of stereotype in a Sentence
Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2025
Trust is key to a long term solution If a private equity firm (stereotyped as ruthless corporate raiders) can overcome employee skepticism and adversarial thinking, so can any company.
—Peter Georgescu, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Tanya Mohn, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
His strength and determination in the face of adversity challenges stereotypes and serves as an inspiration to people from all walks of life.
—Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stereotype
Cite this Entry
“Stereotype.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stereotype. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
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stereotype
1 of 2 noun
stereotype
2 of 2 verbMedical Definition
stereotype
noun
ˈstir-
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