paradigm

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.

“Paradigm” is pronounced PAR-uh-dym (/ˈpæɹ.ə.daɪm/ in IPA).

Here is “paradigm” used in a sentence: “The discovery forced scientists to abandon the old paradigm.”

“Paradigm” is a noun.

The word “paradigm” comes from Greek. From Greek paradeigma ("pattern"), from paradeiknymi ("to show side by side, compare").

“Paradigm” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“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.

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.

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.

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.