What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
archetypal
Example
The hero's journey is an archetypal narrative structure found in many myths and stories. [archetypal: adjective]
Example
The wise old man is an archetypal character often seen in literature and folklore. [archetypal: adjective]
representative
Example
The elected representative spoke on behalf of the constituents during the town hall meeting. [representative: noun]
Example
This painting is a representative example of the artist's style and technique. [representative: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Representative is more commonly used than archetypal in everyday language. Representative is a versatile word that can be applied to different contexts and fields, while archetypal is more specific and commonly used in literary or philosophical discussions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between archetypal and representative?
While archetypal is often associated with a more formal and academic tone, representative is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
