First Known Use: 1545
Dictionary
archetype
noun ar·che·type \ˈär-ki-ˌtīp\
: a perfect example of something
Full Definition of ARCHETYPE
1
: the original pattern or model of which all things of the same type are representations or copies : prototype; also : a perfect example
2
: idea 1a
3
: an inherited idea or mode of thought in the psychology of C. G. Jung that is derived from the experience of the race and is present in the unconscious of the individual
— ar·che·typ·al \ˌär-ki-ˈtī-pəl\ also ar·che·typ·i·cal \-ˈti-pi-kəl\ adjective
— ar·che·typ·al·ly \-pə-lē\ also ar·che·typ·i·cal·ly \-ˈti-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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Origin of ARCHETYPE
Latin archetypum, from Greek archetypon, from neuter of archetypos archetypal, from archein + typos type
Related to ARCHETYPE
- Synonyms
- antecedent, ancestor, daddy, foregoer, forerunner, granddaddy (also grandaddy), precursor, predecessor, prototype
- Antonyms
- descendant (also descendent)
Other Psychology Terms
Medical Dictionary
archetype
noun ar·che·type \ˈär-ki-ˌtīp\
Medical Definition of ARCHETYPE
1
a : a primitive generalized plan of structure deduced from the characters of a natural group of plants or animals and assumed to be the characteristic of the ancestor from which they are all descended b : the original ancestor of a group of plants or animals
2
: an inherited idea or mode of thought in the psychology of C. G. Jung that is derived from the experience of the race and is present in the unconscious of the individual
—ar·che·typ·al \ˌär-ki-ˈtī-pəl\ adjective
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