archetypal

[ahr-ki-tahy-puhl]

archetypal Definition

very typical of a certain kind of person or thing; quintessential.

Using archetypal: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "archetypal" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The film is an archetypal example of the genre.

  • Example

    The novel is considered an archetypal work of modernist literature.

  • Example

    The character of the wise old man is an archetypal figure in mythology and folklore.

archetypal Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with archetypal

  • a character who embodies the qualities of a hero, such as courage, strength, and nobility

    Example

    Luke Skywalker from Star Wars is an archetypal hero.

  • a character who embodies the qualities of a villain, such as evil, cruelty, and cunning

    Example

    Darth Vader from Star Wars is an archetypal villain.

  • a story that follows a classic pattern or structure, such as the hero's journey

    Example

    The Lord of the Rings is an archetypal story.

Origins of archetypal

from Greek 'archetypon', meaning 'original pattern'

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Summary: archetypal in Brief

'Archetypal' [ahr-ki-tahy-puhl] means very typical of a certain kind of person or thing, often considered the quintessential example. It is used to describe works of art, literature, and characters in mythology and folklore. Examples include 'The film is an archetypal example of the genre,' and 'The character of the wise old man is an archetypal figure.'