noun
Uncommon
paradigm
PAR-uh-dym
Paradigm (noun) means a typical pattern or model of how something is done; a framework of ideas or beliefs. Example: “The discovery forced scientists to abandon the old paradigm.”
noun
1
A typical pattern or model of how something is done; a framework of ideas or beliefs.
"The discovery forced scientists to abandon the old paradigm."
"Remote work has become the new workplace paradigm."
"Online streaming created a new paradigm for how people watch television."
2
An outstanding example that serves as a model for others.
"The bridge is considered a paradigm of modern engineering."
"The village is often held up as a paradigm of successful community recycling."
"Her calm, fair leadership became a paradigm for the whole team."
How to use paradigm
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA model pattern or standard way of thinking about something.
Common mistake
"Paradigm shift" is often overused to describe any change — reserve it for genuinely fundamental changes in thinking.
Common pairings
paradigm shift
a new paradigm
dominant paradigm
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Word forms
- Plural
- paradigms, paradigmata
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The discovery forced scientists to abandon the old _____.
Etymology
From Greek paradeigma ("pattern"), from paradeiknymi ("to show side by side, compare").
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “paradigm” mean?
The word “paradigm” means a typical pattern or model of how something is done; a framework of ideas or beliefs. In plain terms, a model pattern or standard way of thinking about something.
How do you pronounce “paradigm”?
“Paradigm” is pronounced PAR-uh-dym (/ˈpæɹ.ə.daɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “paradigm” in a sentence?
Here is “paradigm” used in a sentence: “The discovery forced scientists to abandon the old paradigm.”
What part of speech is “paradigm”?
“Paradigm” is a noun.
Where does the word “paradigm” come from?
The word “paradigm” comes from Greek. From Greek paradeigma ("pattern"), from paradeiknymi ("to show side by side, compare").
Is “paradigm” a common word?
“Paradigm” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “paradigm” have?
“Paradigm” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a typical pattern or model of how something is done; a framework of ideas or beliefs.
What is the difference between a paradigm and a theory?
A theory is a specific explanation for a set of phenomena, while a paradigm is the broader framework of ideas, assumptions, and methods within which theories are developed and judged. A paradigm shapes what questions are asked and what counts as a valid answer, whereas a theory operates inside that framework.
What does it mean to have a "paradigm shift"?
A paradigm shift refers to a fundamental change in the typical pattern or framework of ideas that underlies how something is understood or done. It marks a move away from an established model toward a new one that better explains or organizes the evidence at hand.
How is paradigm used outside of science?
Beyond science, paradigm is often used loosely to describe any typical model or outstanding example that others follow, such as a business practice or a design approach held up as the standard others should imitate.
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