archetype
AR-kih-type
/ˈɑː.kɪ.taɪp/
A very typical example of a certain person or thing; in Jungian psychology, a universal, inherited idea or image present in the collective unconscious.
An archetype is a fundamental primary model that recurs across mythology, literature, and dreams across all human cultures.
The story behind the word. From Greek 'archetypon' (first model), combining 'arche-' (beginning, first) and 'typos' (impression, model, mark). Carl Jung adapted it in 1919 to describe inherited psychic structures shared by all human beings in the collective unconscious.
Word relationships
- prototype: Prototype is the original early physical model of a product, while archetype is an abstract universal pattern across culture and mind.
- epitome: Epitome represents a perfect example of a quality, whereas archetype refers to recurring symbolic patterns.
- anomaly: Anomaly is a unique deviation from any standard pattern or type.
Commonly confused with
- stereotype: Stereotype is an oversimplified, often biased generalization; archetype is a deep, fundamental mythic pattern.
Word family
- archetypal (adjective): Very typical of a recurring universal model.
- archetypally (adverb): In a manner characteristic of a fundamental pattern.
Collocations
- universal archetype
- Jungian archetype
- classic archetype
- archetype of the hero
Idioms & expressions
- the quintessential example
- molded from the same pattern
Example sentences
- "Carl Jung argued that the 'Hero' is a universal archetype found across folklore in every global culture." Jungian psychology context
- "The wise old mentor is a classic narrative archetype that guides the hero through dark trials." Literary analysis context
Memory hook
ARCHE-TYPE is the ARCHITECT's original TYPE pattern. The ancient original pattern of the mind.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a 'cliché' or 'stereotype', which carry negative connotations of unoriginality or prejudice.
Fun facts
- Jung identified several primary archetypes in the human psyche, including the Shadow, the Anima/Animus, the Wise Old Man, and the Trickster.
Related words
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