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View synonyms for

paradigm

[ par-uh-dahym, -dim ]

noun

    1. a framework containing the basic assumptions, ways of thinking, and methodology that are commonly accepted by members of a scientific community.
    2. such a cognitive framework shared by members of any discipline or group:

      The company’s business paradigm needs updating for a new generation.

  1. Informal. a general mental model or framework for anything:

    Their first album completely blew apart my paradigm for what rock music could be.

  2. an example serving as a model for others to imitate; pattern:

    Pelham Dairy’s 10-year aged cheddar is the paradigm of cheddars.

    Synonyms: , , , ,

  3. a typical or representative instance or example:

    His experimentalism and iconoclastic attitude towards the past make Picasso a paradigm of 20th century painting.

  4. Grammar.
    1. a set of forms all of which contain a particular element, especially the set of all inflected forms based on a single stem or theme.
    2. a display in fixed arrangement of such a set, as boy, boy's, boys, boys'.


paradigm

/ ˈpærəˌdaɪm; ˌpærədɪɡˈmætɪk /

noun

  1. grammar the set of all the inflected forms of a word or a systematic arrangement displaying these forms
  2. a pattern or model
  3. a typical or stereotypical example (esp in the phrase paradigm case )
  4. (in the philosophy of science) a very general conception of the nature of scientific endeavour within which a given enquiry is undertaken
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • paradigmatic, adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of paradigm1

First recorded in 1475–85; from Late Latin paradigma “example,” from Greek 貹á𾱲 “pattern, model, precedent, example” (derivative of 貹𾱰ýԲ “to show side by side, compare”), equivalent to para- preposition and prefix + deik-, root of 𾱰ýԲ “to show, bring to light, prove” + -ma noun suffix denoting the result of an action; para- 1, deictic
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Word History and Origins

Origin of paradigm1

C15: via French and Latin from Greek paradeigma pattern, from paradeiknunai to compare, from para- 1+ deiknunai to show
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

We’re actually getting there because so many people are recognizing that and wanting a different paradigm that includes a lot more complexity and, therefore, truth.

From

"As countries come together to shape a new energy security paradigm, they need unbiased, dependable data on the future direction of energy," he added.

From

For travelers used to strolling past immigration counters without hassles, this is a new paradigm.

From

"There has to be a change in paradigms that are at the foundation of how we run our society and the kinds of laws we create."

From

He claimed it was "the beginning of a new era for trade and the economy" and not just this, but was the second such paradigm shift we have witnessed just in the last few months.

From

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