archetypal
gb/ˈɑɹktˈaɪpəl/ us/ˈɑɹktˈaɪpəl/
C1
English
tipikus, archetipikus, ősképi
C1
FORMAL
1
tipikus
B1
Usage pattern:
the archetypal [noun]; an archetypal example of [something]
He plays the archetypal tough detective with a soft side.
Ő a tipikus kemény nyomozót alakítja, akinek van egy lágy oldala.
The film’s opening is an archetypal example of 1980s action cinema.
A film nyitánya az 1980-as évekbeli akciómozi tipikus példája.
It’s an archetypal small-town café: friendly, busy, and a little noisy.
Learner examples
She is the archetypal caring teacher.
Ő a tipikus gondoskodó tanár.
That is an archetypal example of bad service.
Ez a rossz kiszolgálás tipikus példája.
Common mistake:
Often used before a noun ("the archetypal student"). Note the common spelling "archetypal" (also "archetypical" exists but is less common).
Meaning
a perfect typical example
Collocations
the archetypal hero
|the archetypal villain
|the archetypal example
|an archetypal case
|an archetypal image
|an archetypal character
|the archetypal suburban family
|an archetypal scene
|an archetypal story
|an archetypal feature
Synonyms
typical (more general and less emphatic.)
|
classic (often suggests a well-known or long-established example.)
|
quintessential (very close; emphasizes the essence of the type.)
|
prototypical (focuses on being a model or prototype for the type.)
Antonyms
atypical (not typical of the type.)
|
uncharacteristic (not usual for that person or thing.)
Themes
description
|people
|culture
Definition
the most typical example of something
Representing the most typical or standard example of a particular type of person or thing.
C2
TECHNICAL
2
archetipikus
C1
ősképi
C2
Usage pattern:
archetypal [figure/pattern/theme/image]
The book analyzes archetypal patterns in folk tales across cultures.
A könyv a különböző kultúrák népmeséiben megjelenő archetipikus mintázatokat elemzi.
In Jungian psychology, the mother is often described as an archetypal figure.
A jungi pszichológiában az anyát gyakran archetipikus alakként írják le.
The painting uses archetypal symbols of death and rebirth.
Learner examples
Many stories use archetypal characters.
Sok történet használ archetipikus szereplőket.
The hero’s journey is an archetypal pattern.
A hős útja egy archetipikus minta.
Common mistake:
In academic contexts, "archetypal" may refer specifically to Jungian or mythic patterns, not just "very typical."
Meaning
relating to universal archetypes
Collocations
archetypal patterns
|archetypal figures
|archetypal themes
|archetypal symbols
|archetypal images
|archetypal narrative
|archetypal journey
|archetypal roles
|archetypal motifs
|archetypal myths
Synonyms
mythic (emphasizes connection to myth rather than psychological theory.)
|
universal (broader; does not necessarily imply specific archetype theory.)
|
primordial (suggests something ancient and deeply rooted.)
Antonyms
idiosyncratic (specific to an individual rather than universal.)
|
personal (rooted in individual experience, not shared symbolic patterns.)
Themes
psychology
|literature
|culture
Definition
connected to universal story or character types
Relating to archetypes, especially universal, recurring patterns or symbolic figures in psychology, myth, or literature.
Grammar
Dictionary form
archetypal
IPA
GB/ˈɑɹktˈaɪpəl/
US/ˈɑɹktˈaɪpəl/
Syllables & stress
ar - chetyp - al (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ar)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: archetypal
Word family
Core family
archetype
noun C1
Related words
archetypally
adverb
archetypical
adjective
Expressions
an archetypal example of [something]
1/ən ˈɑɹktˈaɪpəl ɪɡzˈæmpəl əv sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
formal
a perfect example of
a very typical example of something
Examples
- The report is an archetypal example of poor planning.
- Her speech was an archetypal example of political spin.
- This neighborhood is an archetypal example of rapid gentrification.
Learner examples
- This is an archetypal example of a mistake.
archetypal coming-of-age story
1/ˈɑɹktˈaɪpəl kˈʌmɪŋ əv ˈeɪd͡ʒ stˈɔɹi/
fixed phrase
formal
classic growing-up narrative
a very typical story about growing up
Examples
- It’s an archetypal coming-of-age story set in a small coastal town.
- The novel feels archetypal in its coming-of-age plot: first love, first loss, and a final goodbye.
- Critics praised the film for refreshing an archetypal coming-of-age story.
Learner examples
- The book is an archetypal coming-of-age story.
archetypal hero
1/ˈɑɹktˈaɪpəl hˈɪɹoʊ/
fixed phrase
technical
standard hero character type
a typical hero in stories
Examples
- The character starts as an archetypal hero but becomes morally ambiguous.
- Many epics follow the archetypal hero’s journey.
- In the legend, the archetypal hero defeats a monster to save the community.
Learner examples
- In many movies, there is an archetypal hero.
archetypal villain
1/ˈɑɹktˈaɪpəl vˈɪlən/
fixed phrase
technical
standard villain character type
a typical bad character in stories
Examples
- The show avoids the archetypal villain and gives everyone mixed motives.
- He plays an archetypal villain with a cold smile and a calm voice.
- The script turns an archetypal villain into a tragic figure.
Learner examples
- The story has an archetypal villain.
the archetypal [noun]
1/ðə ˈɑɹktˈaɪpəl nˈaʊn/
fixed phrase
formal
the most typical kind
the most typical example of something
Examples
- She’s the archetypal perfectionist: organized, driven, and never satisfied.
- He became the archetypal underdog in the tournament.
- It’s the archetypal first apartment—small, cheap, and badly furnished.
Learner examples
- He is the archetypal team player.