paradigm
Noun
Medium difficulty
What does “paradigm” mean?
noun.a typical example or pattern of something; a model.
SAT Usage
this term is often found in passages discussing scientific theories, philosophical concepts, or social frameworks. It emphasizes a foundational model that shapes understanding or practice, highlighting shifts in perspective or innovation, unlike synonyms such as "example," which lacks this broader implication of influence and systemic change.
Common Confusions
Paradigm implies a foundational model that influences understanding or practice, while example usually suggests a simple case or illustration without the broader implications of systemic change.
Do not choose paradigm if the context emphasizes uniqueness or exception rather than a typical example or pattern of something; a model.
Example Sentences
-
The discovery shifted the paradigm of how scientists view cells.
-
The discovery shifted the prevailing paradigm.