[ahr-ki-tahyp] 
| 1. | the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype. |
| 2. | (in Jungian psychology) a collectively inherited unconscious idea, pattern of thought, image, etc., universally present in individual psyches. |
[ahr-ki-tahy-puhl] , ar⋅che⋅typ⋅i⋅cal [ahr-ki-tip-i-kuhl] , ar⋅che⋅typ⋅ic, adjective | ar·che·type (är'kĭ-tīp') n.
[Latin archetypum, from Greek arkhetupon, from neuter of arkhetupos, original : arkhe-, arkhi-, archi- + tupos, model, stamp.] ar'che·typ'al (-tī'pəl), ar'che·typ'ic (-tĭp'ĭk), ar'che·typ'i·cal adj., ar'che·typ'i·cal·ly adv. Usage Note: The ch in archetype, and in other English words of Greek origin such as architect and chorus, represents a transliteration of Greek X (chi), and is usually pronounced like (k). In a recent survey, 94 percent of the Usage Panel indicated that they pronounce archetype (är'kĭ-tīp'), with a (k) sound, while 6 percent preferred the pronunciation (är'chĭ-tīp'), with a (ch) sound. Of those who preferred the traditional (k) pronunciation, 10 percent noted that the (ch) pronunciation was also acceptable. Only the traditional pronunciation is widely accepted as standard, however. |
archetype ar·che·type (är'kĭ-tīp')
n.
An original model or type after which other similar things are patterned.
In Jungian psychology, an inherited pattern of thought or symbolic image that is derived from the past collective experience of humanity and is present in the unconscious of the individual. Also called imago.