paradigm

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A widely accepted pattern or framework of ideas that shapes how people think about a subject.

   Grammar: Often appears in paradigm shift, and in academic writing: a new paradigm for teaching.

   Patterns

   • a paradigm for something
   • a paradigm of something

   The discovery overturned the old paradigm of how galaxies form.

   The school is trying a new paradigm for teaching math.

   Cheap batteries could create a new paradigm in transport.

2. 2nouncountable

   A typical or perfect example of something that others can copy.

   Grammar: Usually followed by of: a paradigm of efficiency.

   Patterns

   • a paradigm of something

   Their partnership is a paradigm of good teamwork.

   The hospital became a paradigm of careful patient care.

   She is a paradigm of calm under pressure.

3. 3nouncountabletechnical

   In grammar, a table showing all the forms a word can take, such as the changes of a verb.

   Grammar: Specialist grammar use: the paradigm of a verb.

   Patterns

   • the paradigm of a verb

   The textbook shows the full paradigm of the irregular verb.

   Learners memorized the paradigm for each Latin noun.

   A paradigm helps you see how endings change.

Word forms

Common combinations

paradigm shift

The internet caused a paradigm shift in how we shop.

a new paradigm

Researchers proposed a new paradigm for treating pain.

the dominant paradigm

The dominant paradigm in the field is now being questioned.

within the paradigm

The results fit within the existing paradigm.

a paradigm case

The trial is a paradigm case of misused evidence.

Synonyms and how they differ

model

Model is plainer and can be physical, whereas paradigm usually means a mental or theoretical framework.

framework

Framework suggests a structure to build on, while paradigm implies a whole worldview of accepted ideas.

archetype

Archetype means the original or ideal example, not a system of ideas.

example

Example is the everyday word; paradigm adds that it is a perfect or defining example.

Word family

paradigmatic adjective

serving as a typical example

paradigm shift noun

a basic change in approach or thinking

paradigmatically adverb

in a way that is a typical example

Commonly confused: paradigm or paradox? paradigm or parameter?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “paradigm”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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