archetype
AHR-kih-type
/ˈɑːr.kə.taɪp/
A very typical example of a certain person or thing; an original model from which copies are made.
Implies a universal pattern or prototype rooted in human consciousness or mythology.
The story behind the word. From Greek 'arkhetypon', combining 'arkhe-' (first/original) and 'typos' (model/impression). Psychoanalyst Carl Jung popularized the term to describe inherited universal ideas present in the collective unconscious.
Word relationships
- prototype: 'Prototype' often refers to early industrial or physical working models.
- epitome: 'Epitome' refers to a perfect example of a quality rather than a structural recurring pattern.
- anomaly: An anomaly is a deviation from what is standard, normal, or expected.
Commonly confused with
- stereotype: An archetype is a foundational universal blueprint; a stereotype is a superficial, oversimplified generalization.
Word family
- archetypal (adjective): Very typical of a certain kind of person or thing.
- archetypically (adverb): In a manner characteristic of an archetype.
Collocations
- classic archetype
- universal archetype
- literary archetype
- mythological archetype
Example sentences
- "The wise old mentor is a recurring archetype across world mythologies." Mythology
- "She constructed the character around the archetype of the reluctant ruler." Character Design
Memory hook
ARCH = ancient/chief; TYPE = pattern. An ARCHETYPE is an ANCIENT CHIEF PATTERN. The foundational blueprint carved into human storytelling.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'stereotype', which carries negative connotations of oversimplification and prejudice.
Fun facts
- Carl Jung identified twelve primary character archetypes, including the Hero, the Explorer, and the Outlaw.
Related words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.