Meaning & use
a new paradigm
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountableformal
A completely new way of thinking about or doing something that replaces the old one.
Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a new paradigm', 'the new paradigm', or 'new paradigms'.
Patterns
- a new paradigm for something
- a new paradigm of something
- shift to a new paradigm
The internet created a new paradigm for how businesses reach customers.
Scientists are calling for a new paradigm in energy production.
Her book argues that we need a new paradigm for understanding mental health.
Word forms
| plural | new paradigms |
|---|
Common combinations
- a new paradigm for learning
- Online courses offer a new paradigm for learning at home.
- shift to a new paradigm
- The company shifted to a new paradigm of remote work.
- a new paradigm of thought
- The discovery introduced a new paradigm of thought in physics.
- create a new paradigm
- Social media created a new paradigm for advertising.
Synonyms and how they differ
- new model
- A new model is a simpler, less formal way to say a new way of doing something; it does not always suggest a complete change.
- new framework
- A new framework is a set of ideas used to understand something; it is often more specific and practical than a paradigm.
- revolution
- A revolution is a sudden, complete change, often in politics or technology; a paradigm is more about the way people think.
Opposites
Word family
- paradigm noun
- A typical example or pattern of something; a model.
- paradigmatic adjective
- Relating to a paradigm; serving as a typical example.
- paradigm shift noun
- A major change in the way people think about something.
Commonly confused: a new paradigm or paradox?
a new paradigm vs paradox
A paradox is a statement that seems impossible but may be true; a paradigm is a model or way of thinking.
Practice
The discovery of DNA was so important that it created a new ___ in biology.
Choose one answer.
'Paradigm' means a new way of thinking. 'Paradox' is a contradictory statement, 'paragon' means a perfect example, and 'paragraph' is a section of writing.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “a new paradigm”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.