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Archetypal: meaning, definitions and examples

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archetypal

 

[ ˌɑːr.kɪˈtaɪ.pəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

typical example

Archetypal refers to something that is a perfect or typical example of a certain category or concept. It often embodies the essential qualities or characteristics that define that category.

Synonyms

exemplar, model, prototypical, quintessential

Examples of usage

  • She is the archetypal entrepreneur who turns ideas into successful businesses.
  • In this novel, the hero is an archetypal figure representing bravery and virtue.
  • His behavior was archetypal of a person facing a moral dilemma.

Translations

Translations of the word "archetypal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 arquetípico

🇮🇳 आदर्श

🇩🇪 archetypisch

🇮🇩 archetypal

🇺🇦 архетипний

🇵🇱 archetypowy

🇯🇵 原型的な

🇫🇷 archétypal

🇪🇸 arquetípico

🇹🇷 archetypal

🇰🇷 전형적인

🇸🇦 نموذجي

🇨🇿 archetypální

🇸🇰 archetypálny

🇨🇳 原型的

🇸🇮 arhetipski

🇮🇸 archetypískur

🇰🇿 архетиптік

🇬🇪 არქეტიპული

🇦🇿 arxetipik

🇲🇽 arquetípico

Word origin

The term 'archetypal' derives from the Greek word 'archetypos', which means 'original pattern' or 'model'. In the context of psychology, the concept of archetypes was popularized by Carl Jung, who suggested that these universal symbols and themes are found in the collective unconscious of humanity. The root 'arche-' implies something ancient or original, while '-typal' relates to type or model. The use of the term has evolved over time to encompass not only psychological and literary contexts but also broader applications in sociology and cultural studies, where it denotes fundamental patterns that shape human behavior and narrative structures.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,027, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.