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Definition of archetypal

archetypal

/ˌɑːr.kəˈtaɪ.pəl/
ar · che · ty · pal
Adverb:archetypally
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archetypal Lexical Profile

archetypal Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having the nature of an original model or prototype; very typical of a certain kind of person or thing.

Example

"The small coastal town with its whitewashed cottages and cobblestone streets is the archetypal fishing village."

2

Relating to or denoting Jungian archetypes, or recurring, universal symbols and motifs in literature, art, or mythology.

Example

"The professor's lecture examined the archetypal journey of the hero across different ancient mythologies."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for archetypal

• Nearby Words

archer
archerfish
archery
archetypal
archetype
archetypical
archetypically

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the noun 'archetype', which comes via Latin 'archetypum' from the Ancient Greek 'arkhetypon' (meaning 'something molded first as a model'), combining 'arkhe-' (first) and 'typos' (model, stamp, or impression).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Archetypal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/archetypal
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