Sterotype ,prototype,archetype

Question

It is really confusing to me first to grasp the differences between the words sterotype ,prototype and archetype and secondly weather they can be used interchangably

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Here's the basic and usual idea. Refer to a dictionary for details.

stereotype involves a widely held but oversimplified idea.
eg Everyone in Argentina dances the tango. This is not true. It's just a stereotype.

A common word..

prototype a first, and often preliminary, version of something.
eg The company built a prototype off their new airplane, and tested it before finalizing the design details.
A common word.

archetype a typical specimen
eg Tom is the archetype of a teacher.He has every skill that we expect a teacher to have.
A related but deeper meaning of the word is often used in discussion of the unconscious psychological images that human beings share, often from the beginnings of the human race..
eg All men feel subconsciously that women tempt them. Eve is the archetype of all women.
This is not a common word

Clive

Sterotype ,prototype,archetype

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