archetype
AR-kih-type
/ˈɑːkitaɪp/
A very typical example of a certain person or thing; a recurrent symbol or motif in literature, art, or mythology.
In psychology (Jungian), it refers to a primitive mental image inherited from the earliest human ancestors.
The story behind the word. From the Greek 'arkhetupon,' meaning 'first-molded.' It suggests an original pattern from which all other similar things are copied or modeled.
Word relationships
- prototype: A prototype is the first functional version of something; an archetype is a recurring symbolic pattern.
- epitome: Epitome refers to a perfect example of a quality, while archetype refers to a recurring model.
- anomaly: An anomaly is something that deviates from the standard or expected pattern.
Commonly confused with
- stereotype: Archetypes are deep, universal patterns; stereotypes are often shallow, culturally biased labels.
Word family
- archetypal (adjective): Very typical of a certain kind of person or thing.
Collocations
- classic archetype
- universal archetype
- archetype of
- Jungian archetype
Example sentences
- "Carl Jung argued that the 'Hero' is a universal archetype found in the collective unconscious of all humans." Psychology
- "The 'Wise Old Man' is a common archetype used to guide the protagonist in many epic stories." Literary Analysis
Memory hook
The 'Arch' (chief/first) 'Type' (model). The very first model of its kind. The original mold.
When not to use
Don't confuse it with a 'stereotype,' which is often a negative or oversimplified generalization.
Fun facts
- The archetype of the 'Trickster' (like Loki or Hermes) exists in almost every culture's mythology.
Related words
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