archetype
An archetype is a perfect or typical example of a particular kind of person or thing that serves as a model for others. In literature and psychology, it refers to a recurring symbol, character type, or motif that represents universal patterns of human nature.
Examples
3 of 5He is the archetype of a dedicated teacher, always staying late to help his students improve.
He is the perfect example of a teacher who works hard and cares for his students.
The hero's journey is a narrative archetype found in many ancient myths and modern films.
The story of a hero traveling is a classic pattern seen in old stories and new movies.
Your brother is like the archetype of a cool guy—leather jacket, sunglasses, and a relaxed attitude.
Your brother looks like the standard image of what a cool person should be.
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of an ARCHitect who creates the first 'TYPE' or model of a building. The 'Arch-type' is the original design.
Quick Quiz
The character of the wise mentor is a common ________ found in epic fantasy literature.
Correct!
The correct answer is: archetype
Examples
He is the archetype of a dedicated teacher, always staying late to help his students improve.
everydayHe is the perfect example of a teacher who works hard and cares for his students.
The hero's journey is a narrative archetype found in many ancient myths and modern films.
formalThe story of a hero traveling is a classic pattern seen in old stories and new movies.
Your brother is like the archetype of a cool guy—leather jacket, sunglasses, and a relaxed attitude.
informalYour brother looks like the standard image of what a cool person should be.
Jungian theory suggests that the 'Shadow' is a universal archetype within the collective unconscious.
academicJung's theory says the 'Shadow' is a mental pattern shared by all humans in their minds.
Our CEO wants this project to become the archetype for all future sustainable designs in the company.
businessThe boss wants this project to be the model for all future eco-friendly work.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
the archetype of excellence
the ultimate model of being very good at something
break the archetype
to act in a way that doesn't follow the expected pattern
Jungian archetype
specific mental patterns defined by psychologist Carl Jung
Often Confused With
An archetype is a deep, universal structural model, while a stereotype is often a shallow, oversimplified, or biased generalization of a group.
Usage Notes
Use 'archetype' when discussing fundamental patterns in storytelling, psychology, or when describing something as the 'ultimate' version of its kind. It is more formal and analytical than 'example' or 'model'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'archetype' when they actually mean 'stereotype'. Remember that archetypes are generally seen as neutral or positive structural foundations, rather than negative social labels.
Memory Tip
Think of an ARCHitect who creates the first 'TYPE' or model of a building. The 'Arch-type' is the original design.
Word Origin
Derived from the Greek 'arkhetupon', meaning 'first-molded' or 'original pattern'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The term is heavily associated with Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, who believed that universal archetypes (like 'The Mother' or 'The Wise Old Man') exist in the shared human psyche.
Quick Quiz
The character of the wise mentor is a common ________ found in epic fantasy literature.
Correct!
The correct answer is: archetype
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
cause
A1To make something happen, especially something bad or unpleasant. It is used to describe the action that results in a specific effect or situation.
through
A1Used to describe moving from one side of an opening, area, or object to the other side. It can also refer to the period of time from the beginning to the end of an event.
effective
A2Something is effective when it successfully produces the intended or desired result. It describes a person, method, or thing that works well and achieves its goal.
epic
A1A long book, poem, or movie that tells a story about heroes and great events. It usually covers a long period of time and many adventures.
robotics
B2The branch of technology and engineering that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots. It is a multidisciplinary field combining computer science, electronics, and mechanical engineering to create autonomous or semi-autonomous machines.
dean
B2A dean is a high-ranking official at a university or college who oversees a specific department, faculty, or administrative area. They are responsible for academic leadership, managing faculty members, and ensuring the general welfare of students within their division.
decade
B2A period of ten years, typically used to measure time or categorize a specific historical era. It is a common unit of time used to track social, economic, or personal changes over a significant duration.
enable
B2To provide someone with the means, authority, or opportunity to do something. It also means to make a process or a system possible or operational.
mature
B2Describing someone who behaves in a sensible, responsible way like an adult, or something that has reached a state of full development. It is often used to describe people, plants, or economic markets that are no longer growing rapidly but are stable.
scheme
B2A systematic plan or arrangement for attaining a particular object or putting an idea into effect. It can also refer to a secretive or devious plot to achieve a goal, often used to describe government programs or organizational systems.
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