Words / C1

PAR-uh-dym/ˈpærədaɪm/

A paradigm is a widely shared model of how something works, or a typical example of a pattern. Native academic English uses paradigm shift for a deep change in that model (after Kuhn). A model can be smaller and more local; a framework is a set of concepts you apply; an example is one instance. Do not use paradigm for every “example.”

Meaning

A typical example, or a widely accepted model of how something works.

Examples

• “The study challenges the old paradigm.”
• “Randomised trials became the dominant paradigm in that field.”
• “Her career is a paradigm of slow, careful scholarship.”

Good to know

paradigm = shared model / typical example. paradigm shift = deep change of model. smaller: example.

Near in meaning

model

New