The original pattern or model of which all things of the same type are representations or copies.
In literature, an archetype is a typical character, an action or a situation that seems to represent such universal patterns of human nature. An archetype, also known as universal symbol, may be a character, a theme, a symbol or even a setting. Archetype Definition. In literature, an archetype is a typical character, an action or a situation that seems to represent such universal patterns of human nature. An archetype, also known as universal symbol, may be a character, a theme, a symbol or even a setting. The term archetype has its origins in ancient Greek. The root words are archein, which means original or old; and typos, which means pattern, model or type. The combined meaning is an original pattern of which all other similar persons, objects, or concepts are derived, copied, modeled, or emulated. 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. 1. : the original pattern or model of which all things of the same type are representations or copies: prototype; also: a perfect example. 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. Carl Jung, Swiss psychologist, argued that the root of an archetype is in the “collective unconscious” of mankind. The phrase “collective unconscious” refers to experiences shared by a race or culture. This includes love, religion, death, birth, life, struggle, survival etc.
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archetypal definition