1. original models or patterns from which other similar things are made or developed
2. typical examples of a particular kind of person or thing
3. universal symbols or images that derive from the collective unconscious
Usage: psychology; Jungian theory

Examples

• The hero’s journey follows ancient archetypes found in myths worldwide.
• Shakespeare’s characters became archetypes for later writers to emulate.
• The wise old mentor is one of the most common archetypes in literature.
• Jung believed that archetypes influence human behavior across cultures.
• These fairy tales contain archetypes that appear in stories everywhere.
• The rebellious teenager has become a modern archetype in films.
• Classical architecture provided archetypes for buildings throughout history.