paradigm
PA-ruh-dym
/ˈpær.ə.daɪm/
A typical example or pattern of something; a model or a set of ideas.
Usually refers to a whole way of thinking or a framework of beliefs.
The story behind the word. In Greek, it meant a 'pattern' or 'example' shown side-by-side with something else for comparison. It became famous in the 1960s through Thomas Kuhn's book on scientific revolutions.
Word relationships
- framework: Framework is the structure; paradigm is the pattern of thought within that structure.
- anomaly: Something that deviates from what is standard or expected.
Commonly confused with
- prototype: A prototype is a first physical model; a paradigm is a mental model.
Word family
- paradigmatic (adjective): Serving as a typical example of something.
Collocations
- paradigm shift
- dominant paradigm
- new paradigm
Idioms & expressions
- a whole new ball game
Example sentences
- "The shift from a geocentric to a heliocentric model was a major paradigm shift in astronomy." Science
- "We need a new paradigm for how we treat our employees in the remote-work era." Business
Memory hook
A Paradigm is a 'Pair-of-Dimes'—two identical patterns. The pattern of thought.
When not to use
Don't use it to mean just a 'plan' or a 'method'; it's much bigger than that.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'paradigm shift' was so overused in the 1990s that it became a cliché in business meetings.
Related words
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