A1 noun Neutral

prototype

/ˈproʊtəˌtaɪp/

A prototype is the first version or model of a new idea, product, or work of art. It is used to test the design and see if it works before the final version is created.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I made a small prototype of my clay sculpture to see if it would stand up.

I made a small prototype of my clay sculpture to see if it would stand up.

2

The artist presented a prototype of the public monument to the city council for approval.

The artist presented a prototype of the public monument to the city council for approval.

3

Check out this prototype I built for our art project!

Check out this prototype I built for our art project!

Word Family

Noun
prototype
Verb
prototype
Adverb
prototypically
Adjective
prototypical
Related
prototyping
💡

Memory Tip

The prefix 'proto-' means 'first.' Think of a 'proto-type' as the very 'first type' of a thing you build.

Quick Quiz

The sculptor created a ___ out of cardboard before using expensive bronze.

Correct!

The correct answer is: prototype

Examples

1

I made a small prototype of my clay sculpture to see if it would stand up.

everyday

I made a small prototype of my clay sculpture to see if it would stand up.

2

The artist presented a prototype of the public monument to the city council for approval.

formal

The artist presented a prototype of the public monument to the city council for approval.

3

Check out this prototype I built for our art project!

informal

Check out this prototype I built for our art project!

4

In industrial design, a prototype serves as a physical proof of concept for the creator.

academic

In industrial design, a prototype serves as a physical proof of concept for the creator.

5

The company unveiled the prototype for their new digital art tablet at the trade show.

business

The company unveiled the prototype for their new digital art tablet at the trade show.

Word Family

Noun
prototype
Verb
prototype
Adverb
prototypically
Adjective
prototypical
Related
prototyping

Common Collocations

build a prototype build a prototype
working prototype working prototype
early prototype early prototype
prototype stage prototype stage
scale prototype scale prototype

Common Phrases

rapid prototyping

rapid prototyping

alpha prototype

alpha prototype

functional prototype

functional prototype

Often Confused With

prototype vs archetype

An archetype is a perfect example or a universal symbol in stories, while a prototype is a physical test model.

prototype vs stereotype

A stereotype is a fixed, oversimplified idea about a group of people.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'prototype' when referring to an experimental version of something that is not yet ready for mass production or final display.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'original' when they mean 'prototype'; however, 'original' refers to the first finished work, whereas 'prototype' is a preliminary version.

💡

Memory Tip

The prefix 'proto-' means 'first.' Think of a 'proto-type' as the very 'first type' of a thing you build.

📖

Word Origin

From the Greek 'prōtotypon', meaning 'primitive form' or 'first pattern'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Plural: prototypes Can be used as a noun-adjunct (e.g., prototype design)
🌍

Cultural Context

In the modern design and tech world, the 'prototype' phase is considered essential for testing and 'failing fast' to improve quality.

Quick Quiz

The sculptor created a ___ out of cardboard before using expensive bronze.

Correct!

The correct answer is: prototype

More art words

painting

A1

A painting is a picture that someone makes using paint. It is usually created on a surface like paper or canvas and is considered a piece of art.

sculpture

A1

A sculpture is a three-dimensional piece of art made by shaping or carving materials like stone, wood, metal, or clay. Unlike a painting, you can walk around a sculpture and see it from many different angles.

sketch

A1

A simple drawing that is done quickly and without many details. It is often used as a rough draft or a plan for a more finished piece of art.

portrait

A1

A portrait is a painting, drawing, or photograph of a person, usually focusing on the face and shoulders. It is created to show what the person looks like and often to express their personality.

landscape

A1

A landscape is a painting, photograph, or view of a wide area of land. In art, it usually shows natural scenes like mountains, trees, and rivers instead of people.

still life

A1

A still life is a type of art, such as a painting or photograph, that shows objects that do not move. Common subjects include everyday items like fruit, flowers, bottles, or bowls.

cubism

A1

Cubism is a style of modern art that shows objects and people as simple geometric shapes like cubes, triangles, and circles. Instead of looking realistic from one side, the art shows the subject from many different angles at the same time.

surrealism

A1

Surrealism is a style of art and literature that mixes real objects in strange or impossible ways, like in a dream. It aims to show the power of the imagination and the hidden thoughts of the mind.

contemporary art

A1

Contemporary art is art produced at the present period in time. It includes works made by artists living today and reflects the issues of our modern world.

easel

A1

An easel is a wooden or metal frame that stands on three legs. It is used to hold a canvas or a board while an artist is painting or drawing on it.

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