What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
archetypical
Example
The story follows the archetypical hero's journey, with the protagonist facing various challenges and ultimately achieving personal growth. [archetypical: adjective]
Example
Her behavior is archetypical of a perfectionist, always striving for excellence in everything she does. [archetypical: adjective]
typical
Example
It's typical for children to be curious and ask a lot of questions. [typical: adjective]
Example
This is a typical example of a romantic comedy, with a predictable plot and a happy ending. [typical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Typical is more commonly used than archetypical in everyday language. Typical is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while archetypical is less common and has a more specific usage in literary or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between archetypical and typical?
While archetypical is typically associated with a more formal and literary tone, typical is more commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
