archetype

[ ahr-ki-tahyp ]
/ ˈɑr kɪˌtaɪp /

noun

the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype.
(in Jungian psychology) a collectively inherited unconscious idea, pattern of thought, image, etc., universally present in individual psyches.

Origin of archetype

1595–1605; < Latin archetypum an original < Greek archétypon a model, pattern (neuter of archétypos of the first mold, equivalent to arche- arche- + týp(os) mold, type + -os adj. suffix)

OTHER WORDS FROM archetype

ar·che·typ·al, ar·che·typ·i·cal [ahr-ki-tip-i-kuh l] /ˌɑr kɪˈtɪp ɪ kəl/, ar·che·typ·ic, adjective ar·che·typ·al·ly, ar·che·typ·i·cal·ly, adverb

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH archetype

archetype prototype

Example sentences from the Web for archetypally

British Dictionary definitions for archetypally

archetype
/ (ˈɑːkɪˌtaɪp) /

noun

a perfect or typical specimen
an original model or pattern; prototype
psychoanal one of the inherited mental images postulated by Jung as the content of the collective unconscious
a constantly recurring symbol or motif in literature, painting, etc

Word Origin for archetype

C17: from Latin archetypum an original, from Greek arkhetupon, from arkhetupos first-moulded; see arch-, type

Medical definitions for archetypally

archetype
[ ärkĭ-tīp′ ]

n.

An original model or type after which other similar things are patterned.
In Jungian psychology, an inherited pattern of thought or symbolic image that is derived from the past collective experience of humanity and is present in the unconscious of the individual. imago

Other words from archetype

ar′che•typal (-tīpəl) null null adj. ar′che•typi•cal•ly adv.

Cultural definitions for archetypally

archetype
[ (ahr-ki-teyep) ]

An original model after which other similar things are patterned. In the psychology of Carl Jung, archetypes are the images, patterns, and symbols (see also symbol) that rise out of the collective unconscious and appear in dreams, mythology, and fairy tales.