archetype

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'archetype' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a prototypical example of a person or thing, often seen as the embodiment of an idea or concept. For example, you could say "Nelson Mandela is an archetype of selflessness and courage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The overbearing dominant abusive stereotype as the archetype of the alpha male is something that many cultures have been trying to break away from," he says.

The Guardian

One rather theatrical newspaper report written a couple of weeks after the murder adds that the doctor throttled Araújo Cunha "with sinister ferocity".For those arguing for abolition, the crime provided a useful archetype of the wicked slave owner.

The Economist

For Mariano Rajoy, the Galician-born Spanish prime minister, playing to this archetype is a way to survive and manage conflicting demands.

The Economist

"SELF-HELP books are a new form of religion," according to Bridget Jones, the fictional archetype of neurotic, self-critical young women.

The Economist

Thanks to tighter regulation the too-big-to-fail bulge-bracket banks that usually finance big M&A deals may also have become more restrained.Evaluating M&A is hard because there is no archetype of success.

The Economist

Yes, he faced, in Sharron Angle, an archetype of tea-party values.

The Economist

Internship ReprintsBut French Londoners have become a much more diverse group than this archetype allows.

The Economist

Toyota, regarded as an archetype of corporate Japan in many respects, is a typical example: it has switched from bank financing to bonds, has a high level of foreign ownership and has introduced stock options.

The Economist

Beyond her roles as fairy-tale princess and floundering, suffering divorcee, Diana's appeal rested in part on an ancient archetype: the monarch who walks among the people, working miracles, in her case among the lepers, AIDS patients and maimed children she unsqueamishly embraced.

The Economist

When Sergio Cofferati, leader of the largest union complained, Mr Tremonti promptly dubbed him "the archetype of the new reactionary".In this section Will the economy and Gerhard Schröder bounce back?

The Economist

Just as with Maynard Smith's animals, whose choices were more random than reasoned, humans often behave in ways that defy the rational archetype of Homo economicus.By the time Mr Nash's full dissertation was dug up in the early 1990s, just before he won his Nobel, Maynard Smith's work was common currency.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "archetype" when referring to a foundational or representative example that embodies a broader concept or pattern. Ensure the context clearly establishes the connection between the specific instance and the larger idea it represents.

Common error

Avoid using "archetype" simply to mean 'example'. "Archetype" implies a deeper, more fundamental representation of a concept or character. If you only mean 'example', choose a more general term.

Linguistic Context

The word "archetype" primarily functions as a noun, referring to an original model or pattern from which copies are made. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, from describing character types to corporate structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "archetype" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun, denoting an original model or pattern. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it commonly appears in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts. Its function is to categorize complex concepts through familiar models, serving a primarily neutral to formal register. It’s essential to distinguish "archetype" from "stereotype", and alternatives like "prototype" or "exemplar" can be considered depending on the specific nuance intended. As Ludwig AI confirms, "archetype" is appropriate in written English, denoting a prototypical example embodying a broader concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Prototype

Refers more specifically to an initial design model or example from which others are developed.

Model example

Highlights the role of "archetype" as a standard or pattern to be imitated.

Original pattern

Emphasizes the unique and foundational nature of the "archetype".

Quintessential example

Focuses on "archetype" as the purest or most typical instance of something.

Typical model

Stresses the representational aspect of "archetype" as a standard case.

Ideal form

Conveys the concept of "archetype" as a perfect or ultimate version.

Standard example

Highlights the "archetype" as a benchmark for comparison.

Classic example

Emphasizes the long-standing recognition and influence of the "archetype".

Paradigm

Focuses on the "archetype" as a framework of understanding something.

Exemplar

Highlights the positive and imitable qualities of the "archetype".

FAQs

How can I use "archetype" in a sentence?

You can use "archetype" to describe a recurring symbol or motif in literature, such as, "The hero's journey is a common "archetype" in many stories." It can also be used to describe a person or thing that embodies a particular concept or role, such as, "She is the "archetype" of the strong, independent woman."

What's the difference between "archetype" and "stereotype"?

"Archetype" refers to a universal pattern or model, while "stereotype" is an oversimplified and often negative generalization about a group. An "archetype" can be a basis for a story or character, whereas a stereotype often relies on prejudice.

What are some common literary archetypes?

Some common literary archetypes include the hero, the villain, the mentor, the trickster, and the caregiver. These are recurring character types that embody universal human experiences and can be found across different cultures and time periods. Consider exploring character "protagonist" if you would like to know more.

What can I say instead of "archetype"?

Depending on the context, you could use "prototype", "model example", "original pattern", or "quintessential example". Each of these alternatives emphasizes slightly different aspects of the original meaning.