PIGEONHOLING Meaning and
Definition
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Pigeonholing is a term that originated from the practice of placing pigeons in small compartments called "pigeonholes" to classify them based on their breed or purpose. It has evolved to figuratively refer to the act of categorizing or labeling someone or something based on limited information or stereotypes.
In a broader sense, pigeonholing refers to the act of restricting or confining individuals, ideas, or objects into predefined categories or roles, often overlooking their full potential or uniqueness. It involves fitting individuals or ideas into existing frameworks or preconceived notions without considering their individual characteristics, skills, or qualities.
Pigeonholing can hinder growth, creativity, and innovation by promoting the idea that individuals or ideas must adhere to a specific mold or role. It can contribute to prejudice, discrimination, and biases as it simplifies complex identities or ideas into oversimplified stereotypes.
This concept is particularly relevant in discussions surrounding diversity and inclusion, as it highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing individuals for their unique attributes rather than reducing them to preconceived notions or generalizations.
In summary, pigeonholing refers to the act of categorizing or labeling individuals or ideas based on fixed notions or limited information. It emphasizes the need to go beyond these simplistic classifications to truly acknowledge and appreciate the full range of human capabilities and potential.
Common Misspellings for PIGEONHOLING
Etymology of PIGEONHOLING
The word "pigeonholing" comes from the noun "pigeonhole", which originally referred to a small compartment or recessed space used for the nesting of pigeons, hence the name. The term was first used in English in the 1570s for these compartments.
The verb form "to pigeonhole" emerged in the 18th century, meaning to put something into a pigeonhole or to categorize and arrange something neatly. Over time, it also acquired the figurative sense of classifying or labeling someone or something in a restrictive or limited way, often disregarding their nuances or individuality.
In this figurative sense, "pigeonholing" refers to the act of categorizing or assigning someone or something to a rigid and predetermined classification or role, without considering their full range or potential.
Similar spelling word for PIGEONHOLING
Conjugate verb Pigeonholing
CONDITIONAL
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would pigeonhole
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FUTURE
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will pigeonhole
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FUTURE PERFECT
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will have pigeonholed
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will have pigeonholed
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PAST
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pigeonholed
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pigeonholed
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PAST PERFECT
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had pigeonholed
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had pigeonholed
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PRESENT
I
pigeonhole
we
pigeonhole
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pigeonhole
he/she/it
pigeonholes
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pigeonhole
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have pigeonholed
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have pigeonholed
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am pigeonholing
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was pigeonholing
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will be pigeonholing
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have been pigeonholing
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have been pigeonholing
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had been pigeonholing
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had been pigeonholing
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will have been pigeonholing
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would have pigeonholed
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would be pigeonholing
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would be pigeonholing
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would have been pigeonholing
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