word

Prototype Theory

PRO-toh-type THEER-ee

/ˈprəʊtətaɪp ˈθɪəri/

Listen

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Syllable breakdown

prototypetheory

Dictionary meaning

Eleanor Rosch's theory that categories are organised around best exemplars (prototypes) rather than necessary and sufficient conditions; category membership is graded rather than binary.

Examples

Prototype theory explains why a robin is judged a 'better' bird than a penguin, even though both are birds.

Synonyms: prototype semantics

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