noun

archetype

archetype, prototype, original model

The hero is a common archetype in literature.

The hero is a common archetype in literature.

He is the archetype of a British gentleman.

He is the archetype of a British gentleman.

((an)) archetype ((of sth.)) a very typical example of a certain person or thing He is the archetype of a successful entrepreneur.

Synonyms: model, prototype, standard, original

From Greek 'arkhetupon', from 'arkhe-' (first, original) + 'tupos' (pattern, model).

Think of an 'arch'itect's first ('arche') 'type' of building plan.

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