archetype

[ ahr-ki-tahyp ]

noun

1. the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype.
2. (in Jungian psychology) a collectively inherited unconscious idea, pattern of thought, image, etc., universally present in individual psyches.

archetype

/ ˈɑːkɪˌtaɪp /

noun

1. a perfect or typical specimen
2. an original model or pattern; prototype
3. psychoanal one of the inherited mental images postulated by Jung as the content of the collective unconscious
4. a constantly recurring symbol or motif in literature, painting, etc

archetype

1. An original model after which other similar things are patterned. In the psychology of Carl Jung , archetypes are the images, patterns, and symbols (see also symbol ) that rise out of the collective unconscious and appear in dreams, mythology , and fairy tales.

Other Words From

• arche·typal ar·che·typ·i·cal [ahr-ki-, tip, -i-k, uh, l], arche·typic adjective
• arche·typal·ly arche·typi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of archetype¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin archetypum “an original,” from Greek archétypon “a model, pattern,” neuter of archétypos “of the first mold,” equivalent to arche- + type

Word History and Origins

Origin of archetype¹

C17: from Latin archetypum an original, from Greek arkhetupon, from arkhetupos first-moulded; see arch- , type

Example Sentences

Your main character breaks free from the archetype of the African-American novel: David is not black.

From The Daily Beast

The calavera, or decorated skull, is an archetype of Mexican popular culture.

From The Daily Beast

Roll Royce—you would expect nothing less from such a British archetype, right?

From The Daily Beast

By Ann Friedman, Medium The first step is, throw out the hoodie-wearing boy-genius and build a new archetype.

From The Daily Beast

I believe an archetype was born in those years, that of the doughty British woman—proud, opinionated, but with a heart of gold.

From The Daily Beast

Similarly, the One is the higher archetype of the intellectual power which moves around Him, being His image.

From Project Gutenberg

And nevertheless, by their unity all these things imitate the same archetype, some from far, some from near.

From Project Gutenberg

Archetype, rk′e-tīp, n. the original pattern or model, a prototype.

From Project Gutenberg

Greek culture must be distinguished as the archetype; and it must be shown how all culture rests upon shaky conceptions.

From Project Gutenberg

Remember that whatever paternal wisdom or maternal tenderness we have ever known here, has its source and archetype on high.

From Project Gutenberg