archetype Definition
- 1a very typical example of a certain person or thing
- 2a recurrent symbol or motif in literature, art, or mythology
Using archetype: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "archetype" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The film is a perfect archetype of the genre.
Example
The hero's journey is an archetype found in many myths and stories.
Example
The mother figure is a common archetype in literature.
archetype Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with archetype
in Jungian psychology, the archetype representing the unconscious aspects of personality that are often repressed or denied
Example
The shadow archetype can manifest in dreams or through projection onto others.
in mythology and folklore, the archetype representing a mischievous or deceitful figure who disrupts the status quo
Example
The trickster archetype appears in many cultures, such as Loki in Norse mythology and Anansi in African folklore.
in literature and mythology, the archetype representing a character who embarks on a quest or journey and overcomes challenges to achieve a goal
Example
The hero archetype is found in many stories, such as Harry Potter and Luke Skywalker.
Origins of archetype
from Greek 'arkhetupos', meaning 'original pattern'
Summary: archetype in Brief
An 'archetype' [ˈɑːrkɪtaɪp] is a typical example of a person or thing, or a recurring symbol or motif in literature, art, or mythology. It can represent unconscious aspects of personality, as in the shadow archetype, or a character who embarks on a quest, as in the hero archetype. 'Archetype' is synonymous with 'prototype' and 'model,' and can be used to describe classic or stereotypical examples.
