Paradigm — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈper-ə-ˌdīm/ par·a·digm

Meaning & Definition of Paradigm

Paradigm (noun)

  1. a model for something that may be copied, example, pattern; especially, an exceptional example or archetype
  2. a philosophical and theoretical framework of a scientific school or discipline within which theories, laws, and generalizations and the experiments performed in support of them are formulated; broadly, a philosophical or theoretical framework of any kind
  3. an example of a conjugation or declension showing a word in all its inflectional forms

Paradigm (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something or someone serving as a basis for imitation

    "The thesis paper provides a new paradigm for educational practices."

    similar: archetype, example, original, prototype, mirror, mold, pattern, sample, role model, embodiment, epitome, incarnation, manifestation, personification, phantom, pink, guideline, principle, rule, gauge, standard, touchstone, essence, quintessence, acme, apex, apotheosis, culmination, peak, pinnacle, summit, zenith, beau ideal, classic, eidolon, exemplar, idea, ideal, model, nonesuch, nonpareil, paragon, patron saint, blueprint, draft

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Paradigm

The most common words with a similar meaning to Paradigm:

archetype, example, original, prototype, mirror, mold, pattern, sample, role model, embodiment, epitome, incarnation, manifestation, personification, phantom, pink, guideline, principle, rule, gauge, standard, touchstone, essence, quintessence, acme, apex, apotheosis, culmination, peak, pinnacle, summit, zenith, beau ideal, classic, eidolon, exemplar, idea, ideal, model, nonesuch

Word Forms of Paradigm

Derived words: paradigmatic (adjective), paradigmatically (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Paradigm

Late Latin paradigma, from Greek paradeigma, from paradeiknynai to show side by side, from para- + deiknynai to show diction

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Paradigm

Words & Phrases Containing Paradigm

paradigm shift

Frequently Asked Questions about Paradigm

What does "Paradigm" mean?

"Paradigm" means a model for something that may be copied, example, pattern; especially, an exceptional example or archetype. As a noun, it is defined as: a model for something that may be copied, example, pattern; especially, an exceptional example or archetype.

What is another word for "Paradigm"?

Other words for "Paradigm" include archetype, example, original, prototype, mirror, mold, pattern and sample. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Paradigm" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Paradigm"?

There are 45 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Paradigm". Common alternatives include archetype, example, original, prototype, mirror, mold, pattern, sample, role model and embodiment.

How do you use "Paradigm" in a sentence?

Examples of "Paradigm" in a sentence: "The thesis paper provides a new paradigm for educational practices.".

Is "Paradigm" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Paradigm" is a noun.

Is "Paradigm" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Paradigm"?

"Paradigm" is pronounced /ˈper-ə-ˌdīm/ and divided into syllables as par·a·digm.

What is the origin of the word "Paradigm"?

"Paradigm" comes from Late Latin paradigma, from Greek paradeigma, from paradeiknynai to show side by side, from para- + deiknynai to show diction. First known use: 15th century.