archetypal
Americanadjective
adjective
-
perfect or typical as a specimen of something
-
being an original model or pattern or a prototype
-
psychoanal of or relating to Jungian archetypes
-
constantly recurring as a symbol or motif in literature, painting, etc
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of archetypal
Explanation
An archetypal thing represents an original type after which other, similar things are patterned. With her green skin, black garb, and evil ways, the Wicked Witch of the West is an archetypal villain. The main characters in Romeo and Juliet are the archetypal "star-crossed lovers" — we often think of them first, and use them as examples. Similarly, Superman, with his chiseled looks, herculean strength, and good conscience, is an archetypal superhero. (Contrast him with Wolverine, whose retracting claws, violent outbursts, and brooding make him an archetypal "anti-hero.")
Vocabulary lists containing archetypal
300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak, Part Four
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"'Blaxicans' and Other Reinvented Americans," Vocabulary from the argument
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The group became international stars in the 70s by performing while dressed as archetypal macho characters.
From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026
The biographical details may come from the author’s grandfather, but the character seems decidedly larger-than-life, a cross between Bruce Wayne, a Japanese ronin and an archetypal wandering Jew.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026
Here, it’s as much about the specific subgenre as it is the characters, whose archetypal forms all exist in some media you’ve seen before.
From Salon ● Jun. 22, 2026
In a separate study published in The Seismic Record, researchers described the Maeser earthquake as an "archetypal continental mantle event."
From Science Daily ● Jun. 3, 2026
Thirdly, mass extinctions akin to the archetypal Australian decimation occurred again and again in the ensuing millennia—whenever people settled another part of the Outer World.
From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
