Typique

Typique is a French adjective meaning characteristic of a type, representative, or emblematic of a category. It is used to describe features, behaviors, places, or works that are regarded as belonging to a normal or expected pattern for a given group or era. The word can modify nouns (un plat typique, une région typique) and agrees in gender and number: typique (masculine singular), typique (feminine singular), typiques (plural). The adverb is typiquement.

Etymology and forms: Typique derives from Latin typicus, via French typique, ultimately tracing back to Greek typos meaning “model” or “impression.” The term has been part of French since the Middle Ages and remains common in contemporary usage.

Usage notes: Typique conveys a sense of standardness or typicality rather than uniqueness; it can carry a neutral or positive nuance depending on context. It is often contrasted with atypique for “atypical.” In sociocultural analysis, typique is used to discuss features that are representative of a group, region, or era. The related noun typicité denotes the quality of being typical or the typical features of something.

See also: typology, archetype, stereotype, typicity.

Examples: La cuisine provençale est typique de la région. Ce bâtiment est typique de l’architecture du XVIIIe siècle.