paragon
Noun
Medium difficulty
What does “paragon” mean?
noun.a person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages discussing ideals, ethics, or exemplary figures in various fields, such as literature, science, or social justice. It emphasizes the notion of being an exemplary model of virtue or excellence, distinguishing it from similar words like "model" or "example" by suggesting a higher standard of perfection or moral superiority.
Common Confusions
Paragon implies a flawless example of a quality, while model usually suggests a representative or typical instance that may not embody perfection.
Do not choose paragon if the context emphasizes imperfection or mediocrity rather than a perfect example of a particular quality.
Example Sentences
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She was widely regarded as a paragon of honesty.
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She is a paragon of integrity.