Definition

1. Noun:
   • A typical example or pattern of something; a model: A paradigm represents a clear and typical example that serves as a pattern or model for understanding a concept or category.
   • A framework containing the basic assumptions, ways of thinking, and methodology that are commonly accepted by members of a scientific community: In this sense, a paradigm is the dominant perspective or theoretical framework in a particular discipline at a given time.
   • (Linguistics) A set of linguistic items that form mutually exclusive choices in particular syntactic roles: This refers to the class of all the words that can fill the same slot in a sentence structure (e.g., nouns that can be the subject).
   • (Linguistics) A systematic arrangement of all the inflected forms of a word: This is a table showing a word (like a verb) in all its different grammatical forms (e.g., play, plays, played, playing).

Examples of Usage

• As a typical example/model:

  • His career is often cited as a paradigm of success in the tech industry.
  • This case study serves as a paradigm for effective urban planning.

• As a theoretical framework:

  • The shift from Newtonian physics to quantum mechanics represented a major change in scientific paradigm.
  • Her research challenges the prevailing paradigm in economic theory.

• In Linguistics (set of interchangeable items):

  • In the sentence "The ___ is loud," words like 'dog,' 'car,' and 'music' belong to the same noun paradigm for that subject position.

• In Linguistics (inflected forms):

  • When learning a new verb, students often memorize its conjugation paradigm (e.g., speak, speaks, spoke, spoken, speaking).

Advanced Usage

• "Paradigm shift": A fundamental change in the basic concepts and experimental practices of a scientific discipline or in any dominant worldview.

  • The invention of the internet caused a paradigm shift in how we communicate and access information.

• "To paradigm" (rare, as a verb): To serve as or provide a model or example for something. (Note: This usage is very uncommon and typically found in specialized academic or business jargon).

  • The company's strategy paradigmed a new approach to sustainable manufacturing.

Variants and Related Words

• Paradigmatic (adj): Serving as a typical example or model; relating to a paradigm.

  • His work is paradigmatic of the Romantic style.
  • They studied the paradigmatic relationships between words.

• Paradigmatically (adv): In a way that serves as a model or typical example.

  • The system is paradigmatically different from its predecessor.

Synonyms

• Archetype: A very typical example of a certain person or thing.
• Prototype: A first or preliminary model from which other forms are developed.
• Model: A simplified description, especially a mathematical one, of a system or process to assist calculations and predictions.
• Framework: A basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text.
• Exemplar: A person or thing serving as a typical example or excellent model.

Related Phrases

• Paradigm case: A standard or clear instance that defines a concept.
  • A voluntary agreement is the paradigm case of a contract.

Related Idioms

• "To break the paradigm": To challenge and move beyond the established way of thinking or doing things.
  • The startup aimed to break the paradigm of traditional banking.

Noun

1. the generally accepted perspective of a particular discipline at a given time
   • he framed the problem within the psychoanalytic paradigm
2. the class of all items that can be substituted into the same position (or slot) in a grammatical sentence (are in paradigmatic relation with one another)
3. a standard or typical example
   • he is the prototype of good breeding
   • he provided America with an image of the good father
4. systematic arrangement of all the inflected forms of a word