archetype
AHR-kuh-type
/ˈɑːr.kə.taɪp/
A very typical example of a certain person or thing; a recurring symbol, character type, or motif in literature and mythology.
An archetype represents a universal pattern present across human culture (e.g., the Hero, the Mentor, the Outcast).
The story behind the word. From Greek 'arche-' ('first, original') and 'typos' ('model, stamp'). It originally referred to the master mold from which identical coins or statues were stamped.
Word relationships
- prototype: An original early model or physical trial version rather than a universal cultural pattern.
- epitome: A perfect example of a quality or type.
- anomaly: An individual character or element that fits no established pattern or template.
Commonly confused with
- stereotype: A stereotype is a shallow, often harmful oversimplification; an archetype is a rich, universal foundational pattern in storytelling.
Word family
- archetypal (adjective): Very typical of a certain kind of person or thing.
- archetypally (adverb): In an archetypal manner.
Collocations
- classic archetype
- heroic archetype
- literary archetype
- universal archetype
Example sentences
- "Gandalf in 'The Lord of the Rings' embodies the classic archetype of the wise mentor who guides the protagonist." Mythological Analysis
Memory hook
ARCH-TYPE — the supreme original type from which all copies are made. The ancient original blueprint for characters and stories.
When not to use
Do not confuse archetype with stereotype; a stereotype is a flat, oversimplified generalization, while an archetype is a deep, recurring mythic template.
Fun facts
- Psychologist Carl Jung popularized the term in modern thought, proposing that archetypes reside in a universal 'collective unconscious'.
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