archetype

(ärˈkĭ-tīpˌ)

noun

1. An original model or type after which other similar things are patterned; a prototype: “‘Frankenstein’ . . . ‘Dracula’ . . . ‘Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ . . . the archetypes that have influenced all subsequent horror stories” (New York Times).
2. An ideal example of a type; quintessence: an archetype of the successful entrepreneur.
3. In Jungian psychology, an inherited pattern of thought or symbolic imagery derived from the past collective experience and present in the individual unconscious.

Related Forms:

• arˌche·typˈal (-tīˈpəl), arˌche·typˈic (-tĭpˈĭk), arˌche·typˈi·cal adjective

• arˌche·typˈi·cal·ly adverb

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 (ärˈkĭ-tīpˌ), with a (k) sound, while 6 percent preferred the pronunciation (ärˈchĭ-tīpˌ), 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.