archetypal

Sometimes ar·che·typ·i·cal

[ahr-ki-tahy-puhl]

adjective

1. of or having the nature of an archetype, or original model or prototype.

   an archetypal evil stepmother.

Word History and Origins

Origin of archetypal¹

archetyp(e) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

I also think we want these archetypal angels in women's sport, who are role models, do everything perfectly and say all the right things.

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Lockhart’s casting as Maureen Robinson in “Lost in Space” feels like a line drawn from Ruth Martin, “Lassie” having established her as an archetypal figure of motherhood.

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Doctorow novel, which depicts the intersecting lives of archetypal fictional characters from vastly different backgrounds, as well as historical figures.

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And while this was all happening, there were all these other archetypal imperatives getting at me, like what about dancing?

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The characters seem conscious that they are playing archetypal heroic or tragic roles.

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Related Words

• quintessential 
• stereotypical