Paragonism
/ˈpærəɡənɪzəm/noun
The act of comparing, or the state of serving as a model of excellence.
Did you know?A paragon was historically connected with a touchstone used to test precious metals, giving the word a hidden symbolism of judgment, authenticity, and perfection.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂eḱ-
“Sharp; pointed; the ancient root associated with edges, points, and keen discernment”
Ancient Greek
Greek
parakōnē
“A touchstone or whetstone, literally something placed alongside for testing or sharpening”
Medieval Latin
Latin
paragon
“A standard of comparison or a test of excellence”
13th–15th Century
Italian
paragone
“Touchstone; comparison; a model of excellence”
16th Century
English
paragon
“A person or thing regarded as a perfect example”
Modern English
English
paragonism
“Comparison, or the quality of exemplifying an ideal”