Archetypal
hardar-kih-TY-pul
adjective
Definition
Very typical of a certain kind of person or thing
Examples
“The villain was the archetypal bad guy with no redeeming qualities.”
“This is an archetypal example of Gothic architecture.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Archetypal is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "quintessential" or "prototypical" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "atypical".
Related GRE Words
quintessential
Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class
ubiquitous
Present, appearing, or found everywhere
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
abscond
To leave secretly and hide, especially to avoid arrest or prosecution
ameliorate
To make something bad or unsatisfactory better
abstemious
Moderate in eating and drinking; self-restrained
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