Meaning & Definition of word "Paradigm"

Paradigm

/ˈpær.ə.daɪm/

noun:

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

model:

A standard or example for imitation or comparison.

framework:

A basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text.

schema:

A representation of a plan or theory in the form of an outline or model.

Slang Meanings of paradigm

Meaning: To think outside the box.

Example Sentence: When faced with the problem, she decided to paradigm shift her thinking and come up with a creative solution.

Meaning: To adopt a new perspective or approach.

Example Sentence: His way of tackling the project was a real paradigm shift for the team.