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

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

He says he didn’t expect the current huge attention on UPFs but he claims “it’s contributing to a paradigm shift in nutrition science”.

From BBC

He said the agency needed a "paradigm shift".

From BBC