ar·che·type (är k -t p )n.1. An original model or type after which other similar things are patterned; a prototype: "'Frankenstein' . . . 'Dracula' . . . 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' . . . the archetypes that have influenced all subsequent horror stories" (New York Times). 2. An ideal example of a type; quintessence: an archetype of the successful entrepreneur. 3. In Jungian psychology, an inherited pattern of thought or symbolic imagery derived from the past collective experience and present in the individual unconscious.
[Latin archetypum, from Greek arkhetupon, from neuter of arkhetupos, original : arkhe-, arkhi-, archi- + tupos, model, stamp.]
ar che·typ i·cal·ly adv. Usage Note: The ch in archetype, and in other English words of Greek origin such as architect and chorus, represents a transliteration of Greek X (chi), and is usually pronounced like (k). In a recent survey, 94 percent of the Usage Panel indicated that they pronounce archetype (är  k  -t  p  ), with a (k) sound, while 6 percent preferred the pronunciation (är  ch  -t  p  ), with a (ch) sound. Of those who preferred the traditional (k) pronunciation, 10 percent noted that the (ch) pronunciation was also acceptable. Only the traditional pronunciation is widely accepted as standard, however. |
archetype [ˈɑːkɪˌtaɪp]n1. a perfect or typical specimen 2. an original model or pattern; prototype 3. (Psychoanalysis) Psychoanal one of the inherited mental images postulated by Jung as the content of the collective unconscious 4. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Art Terms) (Literary & Literary Critical Terms) a constantly recurring symbol or motif in literature, painting, etc. [from Latin archetypum an original, from Greek arkhetupon, from arkhetupos first-moulded; see arch-, type]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms | Noun | 1. | archetype - something that serves as a model or a basis for making copies; "this painting is a copy of the original"example, model - a representative form or pattern; "I profited from his example" |
archetypenoun prime example, standard, model, original, pattern, classic, ideal, norm, form, prototype, paradigm, exemplar He is the archetype of the successful businessman.
Translations archetype [ˈɑːrkɪtaɪp] n → prototype m, archétype m archetype n → Archetyp(us) m (form); (= original, epitome also) → Urbild nt, → Urtyp m
How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
|