noun

paradigm shift

PA-ruh-dyme SHIFT

Quiz me More like this

Paradigm shift (noun) means a fundamental change in the basic assumptions a field works from, so that old questions, methods and evidence are reinterpreted rather than merely added to. It is the difference between refining a theory and replacing the framework the theory sat in. Example: “The move from Newtonian physics to relativity was a genuine paradigm shift.”

noun

A fundamental change in the basic assumptions a field works from, so that old questions, methods and evidence are reinterpreted rather than merely added to. It is the difference between refining a theory and replacing the framework the theory sat in.

"The move from Newtonian physics to relativity was a genuine paradigm shift."

"Germ theory produced a paradigm shift in how doctors understood disease."

business jargon In looser business and media use, any major change in how something is done or thought about.

"Remote working has been a paradigm shift for the whole industry."

How to use paradigm shift

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA change so big that people have to rethink the whole way they saw something.

When to use it

Formal in academic use; a cliché in corporate use. Plural: paradigm shifts.

Memory tip

If the old way still works fine alongside the new one, it is probably not a paradigm shift.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

sea change game changer breakthrough → disruption →

Common pairings

a genuine paradigm shift represent a paradigm shift paradigm shift in thinking trigger a paradigm shift

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like paradigm shift.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “paradigm shift” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The move from Newtonian physics to relativity was a genuine _____.

Etymology

Paradigm comes via Latin from Greek paradeigma, meaning pattern or example. The phrase is associated with the philosophy of science, where paradigm means the whole framework of assumptions a scientific community works within.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

View more →

sea change revolution fundamental rethink sea change in thinking

Related words

revolution evolution conversion lap orbit rotation rebellion revolve

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a paradigm shift and an innovation?

An innovation is a new thing built inside the existing way of understanding the world. A paradigm shift changes that understanding itself, so the old questions no longer make sense in the same terms. A faster engine is an innovation; realising the engine is the wrong approach entirely is a paradigm shift.

Is paradigm shift overused?

Badly. In business writing it is routinely applied to ordinary product updates and reorganisations. Reserve it for changes that genuinely make people rethink their assumptions, or reach for a plainer phrase instead.

How do you pronounce paradigm?

The g is silent: PA-ruh-dyme. The related word paradigmatic, however, does sound the g: pa-ruh-dig-MAT-ic.

What is the meaning of paradigm shift?

"paradigm shift" (noun) means a fundamental change in the basic assumptions a field works from, so that old questions, methods and evidence are reinterpreted rather than merely added to. It is the difference between refining a theory and replacing the framework the theory sat in.

People also searched

revolution evolution conversion lap orbit rotation rebellion revolve