What does paradigm mean?
A paradigm is a model, pattern, or framework that helps explain how something works or how a subject should be understood. In science and philosophy, the term often refers to the dominant conceptual system within a field: a discovery may challenge an existing paradigm and produce a “paradigm shift.” In linguistics, a paradigm is a pattern of grammatical forms, such as the different forms used to mark number, tense, or case. In everyday academic writing, “paradigm” can also mean a typical example or a broadly applicable pattern. The word is useful because it distinguishes an organized system of assumptions from a single isolated example. It is generally formal and specialized, conveying the idea of a framework that shapes observation, analysis, and interpretation.
nounA model, pattern, or framework used to understand or describe a particular subject or field. In linguistics, it refers to a pattern of grammatical forms that expresses a particular relationship.
- A model, pattern, or framework that shapes how something is understood, studied, or approached.
- An example or pattern regarded as representative of a wider category.
- In linguistics, a pattern or set of forms in a language that expresses a particular grammatical relationship.
"The discovery challenged the dominant paradigm in the field and led researchers to reconsider their basic assumptions."
"The lecture introduced a new paradigm for understanding the history of the language."
"In the sentence, the subject and verb follow a common paradigm of English word order."
The standard plural of paradigm is paradigms.
"The research compared several competing paradigms for explaining the phenomenon."
From a Greek word meaning 'example,' paradigm became the lens through which entire fields of knowledge are organized.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does paradigm come from?
The word comes through Latin from Greek paradeigma, meaning “example” or “model.” Greek paradeiknanai combined para-, meaning “beside” or “alongside,” with deiknanai, “to show,” so the original sense was that of something set before others as an example. English adopted the word in the early 16th century, initially with the sense of an example or model; its later scientific and philosophical uses developed from that general meaning. The Greek root is related to words such as deixis and deictic, and ultimately to the same Indo-European root associated with showing or pointing out.
Related word forms
How paradigm is actually used
Paradigm is most common in academic and technical contexts, especially in philosophy, science, linguistics, and social sciences. In general use, it often means a characteristic model or pattern, but it can sound formal or specialist when used for a broad framework of thought.