PIGEONHOLE Meaning and
Definition
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Pigeonhole, when used as a verb, refers to the act of categorizing or classifying someone or something in a restrictive or narrow manner, often based on simplistic or one-dimensional characteristics. This term is derived from the concept of pigeonholes, which are small compartments or slots typically found in a wooden cabinet or desk, used for sorting or organizing papers, letters, or documents.
In a broader sense, pigeonholing can also imply making assumptions or generalizations about individuals or ideas, overlooking their complexity or unique qualities. When a person is pigeonholed, they are often being unfairly stereotyped or labeled without considering their true abilities, talents, or potential.
As a noun, pigeonhole refers to one of these compartments used for sorting documents or information. It can also represent a specific category or classification into which someone or something is put. This can be in relation to specific roles, responsibilities, or societal expectations.
Pigeonholing can have both positive and negative connotations. While it can aid in organizing information or simplifying complex concepts, it can also lead to the oversimplification or misrepresentation of individuals or ideas. It can hinder creativity, growth, and the exploration of new possibilities, as people may feel constrained by the limitations imposed by being placed in a particular pigeonhole.
Top Common Misspellings for PIGEONHOLE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for PIGEONHOLE
Etymology of PIGEONHOLE
The word "pigeonhole" has a fascinating etymology. Its origins can be traced back to the 16th century in England. The word is a combination of two separate terms, "pigeon" and "hole".
The term "pigeon" refers to the bird known as a pigeon or dove. In the past, people would keep pigeons or doves as pets, and they constructed small holes or compartments specifically designed for them to rest or roost. These compartments were commonly referred to as "pigeonholes".
The word "hole" simply means an opening or hollow space. When combined, the phrase "pigeonhole" described these small compartments made for housing pigeons.
Over time, the term "pigeonhole" evolved its meaning metaphorically. It began to be used to describe small, separate compartments or divisions used for organizing objects or information.
Idioms with the word PIGEONHOLE
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put sth/sb in a pigeonhole
The idiom "put sth/sb in a pigeonhole" means to categorize or classify something or someone based on preconceived notions or stereotypes, often ignoring their individuality or unique characteristics. It implies simplistically assigning someone or something to a particular group or category without considering their true complexity.
Similar spelling word for PIGEONHOLE
Conjugate verb Pigeonhole
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have pigeonholed
you
would have pigeonholed
he/she/it
would have pigeonholed
we
would have pigeonholed
they
would have pigeonholed
I
would have pigeonhole
you
would have pigeonhole
he/she/it
would have pigeonhole
we
would have pigeonhole
they
would have pigeonhole
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been pigeonholing
you
would have been pigeonholing
he/she/it
would have been pigeonholing
we
would have been pigeonholing
they
would have been pigeonholing
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would pigeonhole
you
would pigeonhole
he/she/it
would pigeonhole
we
would pigeonhole
they
would pigeonhole
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be pigeonholing
you
would be pigeonholing
he/she/it
would be pigeonholing
we
would be pigeonholing
they
would be pigeonholing
FUTURE
I
will pigeonhole
you
will pigeonhole
he/she/it
will pigeonhole
we
will pigeonhole
they
will pigeonhole
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be pigeonholing
you
will be pigeonholing
he/she/it
will be pigeonholing
we
will be pigeonholing
they
will be pigeonholing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have pigeonholed
you
will have pigeonholed
he/she/it
will have pigeonholed
we
will have pigeonholed
they
will have pigeonholed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been pigeonholing
you
will have been pigeonholing
he/she/it
will have been pigeonholing
we
will have been pigeonholing
they
will have been pigeonholing
IMPERATIVE
you
pigeonhole
we
let´s pigeonhole
to pigeonhole
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was pigeonholing
you
were pigeonholing
he/she/it
was pigeonholing
we
were pigeonholing
they
were pigeonholing
PAST PARTICIPLE
pigeonholed
PAST PERFECT
I
had pigeonholed
you
had pigeonholed
he/she/it
had pigeonholed
we
had pigeonholed
they
had pigeonholed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been pigeonholing
you
had been pigeonholing
he/she/it
had been pigeonholing
we
had been pigeonholing
they
had been pigeonholing
PRESENT
I
pigeonhole
you
pigeonhole
he/she/it
pigeonholes
we
pigeonhole
they
pigeonhole
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am pigeonholing
you
are pigeonholing
he/she/it
is pigeonholing
we
are pigeonholing
they
are pigeonholing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
pigeonholing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have pigeonholed
you
have pigeonholed
he/she/it
has pigeonholed
we
have pigeonholed
they
have pigeonholed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been pigeonholing
you
have been pigeonholing
he/she/it
has been pigeonholing
we
have been pigeonholing
they
have been pigeonholing
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
pigeonhole
SIMPLE PAST
I
pigeonholed
you
pigeonholed
he/she/it
pigeonholed
we
pigeonholed
they
pigeonholed
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