Paragon
/ˈpær.ə.ɡən/noun
A person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality.
Did you know?The term 'paragon' is derived from the Italian 'paragone', which originally referred to a touchstone used to test the purity of gold—literally a measure of worth and value!
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
παραγών (paragōn)
“To bring forth alongside or compare, originally relating to testing values.”
Late Latin
Latin
paragōn
“A comparison or model, derived from Greek, emphasizing the act of measuring.”
Middle French
French
paragon
“A model or standard of excellence, still linked to comparison.”
16th Century
English
paragon
“An example of excellence, adopted into English to signify an ideal or perfect model.”
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