Meaning & use
a prototype
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Meanings
nouncountable
A first full-size model of a new product, used to test the design before it is made in large numbers.
Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a prototype', 'several prototypes', or 'the prototype of something'.
Patterns
- build a prototype
- test a prototype
- a prototype of something
The engineers built a prototype of the new engine.
They tested the prototype for six months before production began.
The first prototype was too heavy, so they changed the materials.
nouncountablefigurative
An early example or version of something that later develops into a final form.
Grammar: Countable and often used figuratively: 'a prototype for something' or 'the prototype of something'.
Patterns
- a prototype for something
- the prototype of something
- serve as a prototype
This small program was a prototype for the app we use today.
The design became a prototype for many later buildings.
Her early essay served as a prototype for the final report.
Word forms
| plural | prototypes |
|---|
Common combinations
- build a prototype
- The team plans to build a prototype by next spring.
- test a prototype
- We need to test the prototype in real conditions.
- a working prototype
- They showed a working prototype at the conference.
- an early prototype
- The early prototype had a much smaller screen.
- a prototype of something
- This is a prototype of a cheap, solar-powered lamp.
- develop a prototype
- The company spent two years developing a prototype.
Synonyms and how they differ
- model
- A model can be a small copy or a simple representation; a prototype is usually a full-size early version that is tested for real use.
- sample
- A sample is a small part or single item that shows what the rest is like; a prototype is made to test a design before production.
- mock-up
- A mock-up is often a rough model used for appearance or planning, while a prototype is usually a working version used for testing.
Word family
- prototypical adjective
- Very typical of a group or category; being a perfect example.
- prototyping noun
- The activity of making and testing prototypes.
- prototype verb
- To make a first version of something in order to test it.
Commonly confused: a prototype or stereotype? a prototype or archetype?
a prototype vs stereotype
A stereotype is a fixed, often unfair idea about a group of people; a prototype is an early model of a product or idea. The words sound similar but mean very different things.
a prototype vs archetype
An archetype is an original pattern or typical example, often in stories or ideas; a prototype is usually a physical or technical first model.
Practice
Before making thousands of the new phone, the company produced a ___ to test the design.
Choose one answer.
'Prototype' fits because it means a first model used to test a design. 'Stereotype' means a fixed idea about people, 'archetype' means an original pattern or typical example, and 'protagonist' means the main character in a story.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “a prototype”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.