Re: Archetypal/archetypical


Mike Lyle wrote:
HVS wrote:
Assuming there is a justifiable reason for using the term in the
first place, which form of this word do the denizens of AUE feel is
best: "archetypal", or "archetypical"?

(Collins allows both, listing them in that order; the MS
spellchecker doesn't like the "-typical" form.)

I'll go with the consensus, if there is one.

I'm for "archetypal". I fully understand your doubt, though. I have
occasionally uttered the longer form, but always felt uncomfortable
about it. OED1, I find, goes so far as to say "archetypical" is
obsolete.

P.S. The latest OED hasn't done it yet, but shows that the '89 ed had
an example, apparently American, from 1949. But I haven't changed my
mind: I think euphony trumps propriety in this case, and it seems the
lit crit and psychological crowds agree.

I could, if required, make a spirited argument that the two could be
used to convey rather different meanings; but that would be a mere
leisure activity. In case you are tempted by "archetypous", OED records
that only from 1683.

--
Mike.

--
Mike.

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Archetypal/archetypical
    ... which form of this word do the denizens of AUE feel is ... (Collins allows both, listing them in that order; ...
    (alt.usage.english)
  • Re: Archetypal/archetypical
    ... which form of this word do the denizens of AUE feel is ... (Collins allows both, listing them in that order; ... spellchecker doesn't like the "-typical" form.) ...
    (alt.usage.english)