archetype

archetype

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Pronunciation

Archetype: /ˈɑːrkɪtaɪp/

• ar-: [ɑːr] (as in "car" with an 'r' sound)

• che-: [kɪ] (as in "kit")

• type: [taɪp] (as in "type")

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Word Form Variations

• Singular Noun: archetype

• Plural Noun: archetypes

• Adjective: archetypal (or archetypical)

• Adverb: archetypally (or archetypically)

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun

• Definition 1: The original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a perfect example.

• Synonyms: prototype, original, model, pattern, paradigm, exemplar

• Antonyms: copy, imitation, derivative, replica, offshoot

• Definition 2: A collectively inherited unconscious idea, pattern of thought, or image universally present in individual psyches, as proposed in the analytical psychology of Carl Jung.

• Synonyms: motif, theme, symbol, universal image, primeval image

• Antonyms: anomaly, deviation, peculiarity, exception

Adjective

• Definition: Representing the most typical or perfect example of a particular quality or type.

• Synonyms: quintessential, classic, exemplary, typical, quintessential, quintessential

• Antonyms: atypical, unusual, untypical, unrepresentative, idiosyncratic

Adverb

• Definition: In an archetypal manner; in a way that is characteristic of an original model or a universal pattern.

• Synonyms: typically, paradigmatically, characteristically, classically

• Antonyms: atypically, unusually, uncharacteristically, uniquely

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Examples of Use

• Books:

• "Jungian psychology posits several powerful archetypes, such as the Hero, the Mother, and the Shadow, which resonate deeply within the human psyche." (From a psychology textbook discussing Carl Jung's theories, e.g., Man and His Symbols by Carl Jung, 1964)

• "The character of Sherlock Holmes has become the archetype of the brilliant, eccentric detective in literature." (From a literary analysis, e.g., The Oxford Companion to English Literature, May 2009)

• Newspapers:

• "The rising young politician, with their humble beginnings and inspiring rhetoric, embodies the archetype of the self-made leader." (From a political commentary in The New York Times, November 2023)

• "This new architectural design is considered an archetype for sustainable urban living." (From an article in The Guardian about urban development, March 2024)

• Online Publications:

• "In fantasy gaming, the 'tank' class is an archetype designed to absorb damage and protect more vulnerable party members." (From a gaming website like IGN, February 2025)

• "The startup's innovative business model could become an archetype for how future tech companies operate." (From a tech industry analysis on TechCrunch, April 2024)

• Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• Film: "The lone wolf gunslinger is a classic Western archetype that has been revisited countless times in cinema." (From a film review on Rotten Tomatoes, January 2023)

• Television: "Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones evolves from a timid bride to the archetype of a powerful, albeit flawed, queen." (From an analysis on a fan forum for Game of Thrones, June 2023)

• Video Games: "Many role-playing games feature character classes based on classic archetypes like the warrior, rogue, and mage." (From a video game developer's blog, September 2024)

• Music: "Beyoncé has become an archetype of female empowerment in pop music, influencing countless artists." (From a music critique on Pitchfork, December 2024)

• General Public Discourse:

• "He's the archetype of the grumpy old man with a heart of gold." (Casual conversation among friends, ongoing)

• "Her journey truly represents the hero's archetype—leaving home, facing trials, and returning transformed." (Used in a book club discussion, ongoing)

• "The character is an archetype of the American Dream – starting from nothing and achieving great success." (Comment during a public lecture or presentation, ongoing)

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10 Famous Quotes Using Archetype

1. "The archetype is a kind of readiness to produce the same ideas again and again." (Carl Jung)

2. "The archetype is an image of the unknown." (Carl Jung)

3. "The archetype as such is an archetype in potentia, just as the tree is a tree in potentia. It is the tree as it is experienced by man." (Carl Jung)

4. "Every experience is a archetype of experience." (L. Frank Baum, The Master Key)

5. "A myth is a public dream; a dream is a private myth. Myths are the world's dreams; dreams are the individual's myths. The archetype is the basic pattern." (Joseph Campbell)

6. "We are not talking about some kind of physical, biological, inherited image, but rather a universal pattern that influences our perception and behavior – a deep-seated archetype." (Jordan Peterson)

7. "To be human is to be an archetype." (Terence McKenna)

8. "Man is the archetype of the world." (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)

9. "The archetype lives on today in many modern tales, demonstrating its enduring power." (Original quote)

10. "She truly embodied the archetype of the compassionate leader." (Original quote)

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Etymology

Let's break down the history of the word "archetype" in a simple way.

The word "archetype" comes to us from ancient Greek, specifically from two parts:

1. "Arkhē" (ἀρχή): This part means "beginning," "origin," or "first cause." Think of words like "archaeology" (the study of beginnings) or "archaic" (very old). It suggests something foundational or original.

2. "Typos" (τύπος): This part means "mark," "impression," "model," or "pattern." It's about a form or a design. We see it in words like "type" or "prototype."

So, when you put them together, "archetype" literally means something like the "first pattern" or "original model."

The first known use of the word "archetype" in English can be traced back to the 17th century (specifically the 1600s). At that time, its meaning was quite close to its Greek roots: it referred to an original pattern or model from which copies are made. It was used to describe something that served as the primary blueprint or a perfect example of a kind. For instance, an architect might have an "archetype" for a building, which is the initial, ideal design before any specific versions are built.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Archetype

1. The classic archetype: Referring to a prime or typical example.

2. The hero archetype: A common concept, especially in literature and psychology, for the universal pattern of a hero's journey.

3. An archetype of success: Describing someone or something that perfectly embodies success.

4. Embodying the archetype: To perfectly represent a particular universal pattern or model.

5. A true archetype of its kind: Highlighting something as the quintessential example.

6. Casting a new archetype: To create a new, defining model or standard.

7. Against the archetypal grain: Going against established or universal patterns.

8. Blueprint for the ages: (Using a synonym like "blueprint" for similar effect as "original pattern").

9. The quintessential example: (Using "quintessential" as a strong synonym for "archetypal").

10. Setting the gold standard: (An idiom for creating the ultimate model or benchmark).

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of archetype from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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