Definitions

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • A prefix signifying chief, as in archbuilder, archfiend.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • prefix chief, highest, most extreme

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From Latin archi-, from Ancient Greek ἀρχι- (archi-), from ἄρχω (archō, "to begin, to lead, to rule, to govern").

Support

Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word arch-.

Examples

  • Interestingly, as in a string of recent Spielberg offerings, this arch- emotionalising instantly disappears when the director gets out the heavy weaponry: Spielberg is still a peerless constructor of battle and fighting scenes, managing to impart a visceral brutality that is also sensitive to the human cost.

    War Horse – review 2011

Comments

Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.