archetypical
The definitive example
Archetypical means representing a perfect or typical example of a kind—the model from which others derive or against which they're measured.
An archetypical hero embodies all the essential qualities of heroism.
An archetypical small town has everything you'd expect: a main street, a diner, a church steeple.
The word is interchangeable with archetypal, though archetypal is more common.
Unaffected by eras
- quintessentialRepresenting the ideal type
- iconicWidely recognized, enduring
- legendaryFamous beyond ordinary measure
- definitiveSettling a question finally
canonical · seminal · foundational · vintage · traditional · time-honored · enduring · masterpiece
Body of foundational legends
- allegorySymbolic tale with deeper meaning
- emblemRepresentational sign or device
- totemSpiritual clan symbol
- motifRecurring thematic element
icon · metaphor · representation · figurative · Jungian · shadow · anima · trickster
Typical perfect instance
- modelRepresentation or paradigm
- templatePreset pattern for reproduction
- paradigmGoverning framework of thought
- originalFirst or inventive
blueprint · pattern · standard · benchmark · specimen · mold · forerunner · precursor
Flawless model to emulate
- pinnacleUtmost summit or spire
- perfectionAbsence of any fault
- apotheosisPeak or deification
- acmeUltimate point of attainment
zenith · epitome · embodiment · excellence · optimal · aspirational · utopian · idyllic
Overused, unoriginal expression
- caricatureExaggerated comic depiction
- typecastRepeatedly assigned similar roles
- stockGoods kept for sale
- formulaicFollowing a set template
predictable · conventional · hackneyed · trite · trope · cookie-cutter · oversimplified · pigeonhole
timeless
Unaffected by eras
- quintessentialRepresenting the ideal type
- iconicWidely recognized, enduring
- legendaryFamous beyond ordinary measure
definitive · canonical · seminal · foundational · vintage · traditional · time-honored · enduring · masterpiece · hallmark
mythos
Body of foundational legends
- allegorySymbolic tale with deeper meaning
- emblemRepresentational sign or device
- totemSpiritual clan symbol
motif · icon · metaphor · representation · figurative · Jungian · shadow · anima · trickster · universal
exemplar
Typical perfect instance
- modelRepresentation or paradigm
- templatePreset pattern for reproduction
- paradigmGoverning framework of thought
original · blueprint · pattern · standard · benchmark · specimen · mold · forerunner · precursor · pioneer
paragon
Flawless model to emulate
- pinnacleUtmost summit or spire
- perfectionAbsence of any fault
- apotheosisPeak or deification
acme · zenith · epitome · embodiment · excellence · optimal · aspirational · utopian · idyllic · consummate
cliché
Overused, unoriginal expression
- caricatureExaggerated comic depiction
- typecastRepeatedly assigned similar roles
- stockGoods kept for sale
formulaic · predictable · conventional · hackneyed · trite · trope · cookie-cutter · oversimplified · pigeonhole · banal
archetypicalatypical
Not conforming to type
aberrant · unrepresentative · anomalous · deviant · irregular
archetypicalunconventional
Departing from standard practice
eccentric · nonconformist · unorthodox · offbeat · maverick
archetypicalillegitimate
Not authorized or recognized
bastardized · derivative · corrupted · unprecedented · aberration