Paradigm

/ˈpær.ə.daɪm/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A typical example or pattern of something; a model.
The new research provided a paradigm for understanding the effects of climate change.
A framework containing the basic assumptions, ways of thinking, and methodology that are commonly accepted by a scientific community.
In the field of psychology, the cognitive-behavioral paradigm has gained significant traction.
The linguistic system or structure that shows the relationships between words, such as in inflection or declension.
The Latin verb paradigm illustrates how verbs change according to tense and subject.
A set of forms all of which contain a particular element, especially the set of all inflected forms based on a single stem.
In Latin, the noun 'puella' serves as a paradigm for first declension nouns.

Etymology

From Greek 'paradeigma' meaning 'pattern, example'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

shift in paradigm:
A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
paradigm shift:
A significant change in the framework of understanding.
paradigm case:
An instance or representative example of a particular concept.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

To think outside the box.
When faced with the problem, she decided to paradigm shift her thinking and come up with a creative solution.
To adopt a new perspective or approach.
His way of tackling the project was a real paradigm shift for the team.