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

Derived 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

In a perspective piece published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Peterson lays out the rationale behind this paradigm shift.

From Science Daily

CARE’s compassionate approach is presented as a paradigm shift.

From Salon

Vance’s response to moderator Brennan’s real-time fact-check sums up Trump’s new paradigm that he and his running mate have a right to lie without being corrected.

From Salon

Similarly, because both politicians are pandering to constituencies within the paradigm of America's two-party system, each ultimately reinforces the social and economic status quo while proposing reforms to benefit specific interest groups.

From Salon

After the Beatles caused a “paradigm shift in my consciousness” with “Rubber Soul” and “Revolver,” Bratton joined the Grass Roots and became a rock star with songs like “Let’s Live for Today’ and “Midnight Confessions.”

From Los Angeles Times