Paradigm
/ˈpær.ə.daɪm/noun
A typical example or pattern; in linguistics, an inflectional model or set of forms.
Did you know?Paradigm comes from Greek *paradeigma*, a “pattern” or “example,” built from *para-* (“beside”) + *deiknynai* (“to show”), the same ancient root behind words tied to showing, demonstrating, and even indicating fate.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
parádeigma
“a pattern, model, or example”
Late Latin
Latin
paradigma
“an example or pattern”
Late Middle English
English
paradigme
“an example or model, especially for comparison”
16th Century
English
paradigm
“a pattern of inflection in grammar”
Modern English
English
paradigm
“a typical example or model; a framework or pattern of thought”