You can (and usually do) have a sequence of prototypes you generally only have one archetype. "Archetype" is "original" in the sense that there wasn't anything else before it. The difference in meaning is again hard to see but prototype is a staged type or form: It is "original" in the sense that it came before the next one in sequence. Prototype - an original type, form, or instance serving as a basis or standard for later stages. Here is the same dictionary's definition of prototype: "Prototype" would be incorrect in that sentence. the archetypes that have influenced all subsequent horror stories" (New York Times). Using "prototype" to describe "archetype" works but the usage example helps reveals the difference: "First form" and "original pattern" are similar but their usages are drastically different.Īrchetype - an original model or type after which other similar things are patterned a prototype This usage holds no implications about the perfection of the archetype and, therefore, I consider prototype the appropriate word.Įven the other dictionary examples posted in the other examples are not suggesting they are synonyms:Īrchetype - original pattern from which copies are made As in, the reproductions better faithfully mimic the archetype because if they didn't than the process is flawed. Then the meaning would shift from focusing on the prototype and, instead, focusing on the reproductions. The final prototype can be considered the primary modeling example if the object is intended for mass production and a loose usage of "archetype" could apply. Their very label of prototype implies that it will be replaced with a different form later in the design process. Something could correctly be labeled both a prototype and archetype but generally prototypes are inferior to the final product. An archetype is an ideal example or theoretical perfect form. In other words, a prototype is a (usually physical) draft. An archetype is a perfect and unchanging form that existing things or people can approach but never duplicate ( : the archetype of a mother), while a prototype is an early, usually unrefined version of something that later versions reflect but may depart from ( : a prototype for a hydrogen-fueled car). While prototype and archetype are often used interchangeably, they really mean quite different things. This is copied from my local dictionary and I think it describes the difference well: ![]() ![]() Disappointment insomuch that the two words have very different meanings.
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