PARADIGM Definition & Meaning

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paradigm

[ par-uh-dahym, -dim ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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.
Informal. a general mental model or framework for anything:
Their first album completely blew apart my paradigm for what rock music could be.
an example serving as a model for others to imitate; pattern:
Pelham Dairy’s 10-year aged cheddar is the paradigm of cheddars.
Synonyms: , , , ,
a typical or representative instance or example:
His experimentalism and iconoclastic attitude towards the past make Picasso a paradigm of 20th century painting.
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

grammar the set of all the inflected forms of a word or a systematic arrangement displaying these forms
a pattern or model
a typical or stereotypical example (esp in the phrase paradigm case )
(in the philosophy of science) a very general conception of the nature of scientific endeavour within which a given enquiry is undertaken

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Derived Forms

paradigmatic, adjective

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of paradigm¹

First recorded in 1475–85; from Late Latin paradigma “example,” from Greek �貹��á��𾱲�� “pattern, model, precedent, example” (derivative of �貹��𾱰��ý�Բ�� “to show side by side, compare”), equivalent to para- preposition and prefix + deik-, root of ��𾱰��ý�Բ�� “to show, bring to light, prove” + -ma noun suffix denoting the result of an action; para- ¹, deictic

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�y��vlog 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

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

He claimed it was "the beginning of a new era for trade and the economy" and not just this, but was the second such paradigm shift we have witnessed just in the last few months.

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"I think there’s a paradigm shift involved in all this."

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"We may be witnessing a paradigm shift in our understanding of the Universe."

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A true paradigm shift could include strategic buffer zones, permanent escape routes and urban firebreaks.

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An early masterpiece, “Blood Knot” established a paradigm for Fugard, whose plays are distinguished by their small casts, static locations and tinderbox emotions.

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