Paradigm
/ˈpærədaɪm/
Definitions
A fundamental framework or set of assumptions that guides thinking and practice in a particular field or discipline.
/ˈpærədaɪm/
A typical example or pattern of something; a model.
The current educational paradigm emphasizes critical thinking.
💡 Simply: Imagine a paradigm as a rulebook for how things are done, like the instructions for playing a game. If the rules change, that's a new paradigm! For example, before smartphones, calling someone on the phone was the paradigm. Now, texting is part of that paradigm.
👶 For kids: A paradigm is like a set of rules or a way of doing things. If everyone starts doing things a different way, it's a new paradigm!
More Examples
The research presents a new paradigm for understanding climate change.
A shift in the societal paradigm can change people's belief.
How It's Used
"The discovery of DNA shifted the scientific paradigm."
"Kuhn's concept of paradigms revolutionized the understanding of scientific progress."
"The company is seeking to adopt a new marketing paradigm."
Idioms & expressions
paradigm shift
A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
"The invention of the printing press caused a paradigm shift in information dissemination."
From Greek *paradeigma* (pattern, example), from *paradeiknunai* (to show side by side), from *para-* (beside) + *deiknunai* (to show). It entered English in the 15th century but gained prominence in the 20th century through scientific and philosophical discourse.
Historically used in the context of grammar and example patterns, its meaning expanded in the 20th century with the works of Thomas Kuhn.
Memory tip
Think of a 'para-dig-m' as a guiding 'dig' or pattern in the 'para'-llel world, providing a blueprint for understanding.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: paradeigma