paradigm

[par-uh-dahym, -dim]

noun

1. 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.

2. Informal.,  a general mental model or framework for anything.

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

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

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

   Synonyms: touchstone, paragon, ideal, standard, mold

4. a typical or representative instance or example.

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

5. 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

Other Word Forms

• paradigmatic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of paradigm¹

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

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

Example Sentences

“What we are witnessing is a paradigm shift in real time,” Berg said.

From Los Angeles Times

"For as much as they have increased the social security safety net for people, which personally I think is very good, that hasn't changed the economic paradigm by which they govern."

From BBC

Series creator James Gunn takes aim at that paradigm through “Superman” and its adamant championing of immigrants, multiculturalism and unity.

From Salon

Arno Puder, professor and chair of San Francisco State University’s computer science department, said generative AI represents a historic “paradigm shift.”

From Los Angeles Times

“By 2050 we’ll be in a completely new paradigm,” said Ryan Jackson, executive director of LA Compost — a composting advocacy organization — and former director of the city’s Department of Public Works.

From Los Angeles Times