archetype

An archetype is an original model that other things of the same kind will copy or be based on, as in The company’s 2007 product would be the archetype that all its later models would be based on.

The word archetype is also used in Jungian psychology to refer to unconscious thoughts or symbols that seem to be universal, as in Loki and Pan are two of the Trickster archetype that appear in ancient mythology.

An archetype as an original model is very similar to a prototype, which also refers to an original design or model. However, an archetype is sometimes used to specifically mean that something is considered to be the best, something that all similar things should strive to be. A prototype, on the other hand, may be unfinished or flawed. Things that are based on the prototype as an example may be quite different from it in the end.

In psychology, archetype is specifically from the theories of psychiatrist Carl Jung. Jung theorized that all humans unconsciously share certain thoughts or images that are expressed in fairy tales and mythology. For example, many cultures have similar ideas of what a hero is even though they never shared the idea with each other. That similar idea is called an archetype, and the hero in a story would be a specific archetype.

Based on Jung’s usage, archetype is often used similarly to the word trope or stereotype to refer to a recurring theme or an element that constantly reappears in art, as in The character was a classic example of the grizzled veteran cop archetype.

The adjective form of archetype is both archetypal and archetypical, as in In this story, the wise old man is an archetypal messiah figure.

Example: The award-winning film would become the archetype for the genre that many following films would try to duplicate.

The first records of archetype come from around 1595. It comes from the Greek archétýpos, meaning “first mold.” An archetype is something that will be used as a guide or reference point when similar things are created.

If you have ever taken an English or psychology class, your teacher likely mentioned Carl Jung and his archetypes at some point. Many old myths and tales appear to contain examples of Jung’s archetypes. Because these old stories continue to inspire new creative works today, these archetypes can still be seen in many of our favorite stories. For example, Star Wars’ Han Solo is a good example of the anti-hero or outlaw archetype, who is someone capable of being a hero but doesn’t have the drive for it.

What are some other forms related to archetype?

• archetypal (adjective)
• archetypical (adjective)
• archetypally (adverb)
• archetypically (adverb)

What are some synonyms for archetype?

• prototype
• standard
• paradigm
• ideal

What are some words that share a root or word element with archetype? 

• type
• prototype
• stereotype
• archegonium

What are some words that often get used in discussing archetype?

• example
• Carl Jung
• recurring
• character
• theme

What are some words archetype may be commonly confused with?

• prototype

Archetype is a common, complex word. It is often used to refer to recurring themes or character models, because Carl Jung’s theory of archetypes is often taught in school.

JUST IN: Eddie Money, the rock star whose singles "Take Me Home Tonight” and "Two Tickets to Paradise" were an archetype for '70s and '80s radio rock, has died. He was 70.

— NPR (@NPR) September 13, 2019

I didn't enjoy school because I wasn't an archetype from the Breakfast Club

— Lil Ting (@ScratchChrome) November 10, 2020

Iron Man (2008)

is a delight to watch b/c of that one man who didn't fit the archetype of a superhero, and yet became one of the coolest superheroes ever: Robert Downey Jr.

Iron Man is a lot of fun b/c it's a super smart film w/sharp dialogues, fab special effects, a great cast

— Mehr Tarar (@MehrTarar) July 2, 2019

Is archetype used correctly in the following sentence?

The old musician’s work is the archetype that many younger performers try to emulate.