DictionaryAI

paradigm

noun
PAIR-uh-dym/ˈpɛɹ.ə.daɪm/SayPA-ruh-dymUK/ˈpæɹ.ə.daɪm//ˈpæɹ.ə.dɑem/

Pluralparadigms, paradigmata

3 meanings of paradigm

Practice

  1. 1
    way of thinkingnouncountable
    A way of doing or thinking about something, or the set of ideas behind it.

    The internet changed the whole paradigm of how people buy music.

    Her research did not fit the paradigm her teachers had taught her.

    UsagePeople say a paradigm shift.

    Similarmodel, framework, pattern

    Note
  2. 2
    perfect examplenouncountable
    A very clear or very good example of a kind of thing, used as a model.

    Her kind, patient teaching was a paradigm for every new teacher at the school.

    This little shop is a paradigm of good customer service.

    UsageSay a paradigm of good service.

    Similarmodel, epitome, exemplar, archetype

    Note
  3. 3
    word formsnouncountable
    In grammar, the full set of forms a word can take, such as sing, sang, sung.

    In Spanish class, we learned the paradigm for regular verbs that end in -ar.

    The teacher wrote the full paradigm of the verb 'to be' on the board.

    Note

Practice

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Origin

From a Greek word meaning "pattern". It came into English in the late 1400s.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts