archetypal
Americanadjective
adjective
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perfect or typical as a specimen of something
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being an original model or pattern or a prototype
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psychoanal of or relating to Jungian archetypes
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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
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"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak, Part Four
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"'Blaxicans' and Other Reinvented Americans," Vocabulary from the argument
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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.
So what’s the catalyst for his noteworthy preoccupation with masculinity and all these archetypal characters who embody its antiquated themes?
From Salon • May 27, 2026
Garcia, a career law enforcement officer who has cast himself in the political mold of conservative Texas Democrats Rep. Henry Cuellar and Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, is an archetypal candidate for a competitive race like this.
From Slate • May 22, 2026
Elsewhere, Katie Leung plays the archetypal wicked stepmother role, Lady Araminta Gun, a newcomer to Mayfair.
From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026
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.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 27, 2025
It was an archetypal force, as Chiron would say—something that could never really die.
From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan
Definitions 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.
