paradigmatic

USAGE SUMMARY

"paradigmatic" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective that refers to something that is used as a model or an example for others to follow. For example, "The Wright Brothers' airplane was the paradigmatic invention that spurred on the development of aviation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sirota cites the Michael J Fox sitcom Family Ties as paradigmatic: a show based on the contrast between the preppy young conservative Alex P Keaton and his gormless ex-hippie parents.

The Guardian - Opinion

When you have a column of armoured forces loyal to a ruthless dictator advancing on a city full of weakly-armed rebels (initially non-violent protestors who took up arms in self-defence) upon whom he has openly promised to wreak bloody vengeance, you pretty much have the paradigmatic case for military intervention.

The Economist

With regard to Mr Gingrich, although he may not be the quote-unquote paradigmatic southerner, it's fair for him to say that he is from the South.

The Economist

And so on for other paradigmatic relations.

SEP

Beliefs are the paradigmatic case.

SEP

Proper names are paradigmatic referring expressions.

SEP

Why take volitional agency to be paradigmatic?

SEP

Consider the paradigmatic integral whole Socrates.

SEP

Feminists have found traditional moral philosophy suspect for inflating typical male behaviors into paradigmatic moral actions and traditional political philosophy equally suspect for being bereft of remedies for the moral and political challenges posed by such biased and pretextual exclusion.

SEP

From this perspective, Hume's discussion of freedom and necessity clearly constitutes a paradigmatic and influential statement of the "optimist's" position.

SEP

In contrast, perhaps one should conceive of chaos theory in a more informal or paradigmatic way, say along the lines of Kuhn's (1996) analysis of scientific paradigms.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "paradigmatic" when you want to emphasize that something serves as a clear and influential model or example for others to follow. Be mindful of its formal tone and ensure it aligns with the overall style of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "paradigmatic" in casual or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "typical" or "classic" to maintain a natural and appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "paradigmatic" functions primarily to describe something as serving as a model or example. It is frequently employed in academic and formal contexts to denote something that sets a standard or is highly representative. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "paradigmatic" is an adjective used to describe something that serves as a model or typical example, particularly in academic and scientific writing. According to Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct and frequently used in formal contexts. While "paradigmatic" is a strong choice when you want to emphasize the exemplary nature of something, remember that alternatives like "exemplary" or "quintessential" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Be mindful of its formal tone and avoid overuse in informal contexts to maintain an appropriate style. As Ludwig examples suggest, "paradigmatic" often appears in respected publications and research papers, so understanding its usage will greatly benefit your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exemplary

Focuses on the quality of setting a good example.

archetypal

Emphasizes representing a typical example of something.

classic

Highlights the long-standing and widely recognized nature of the example.

quintessential

Emphasizes being the most perfect or typical example.

prototypical

Stresses being the first of its kind or a typical model.

standard

Indicates conformity to a required or expected level of quality.

representative

Focuses on accurately portraying a larger group or category.

model

Highlights serving as a pattern for imitation.

typical

Emphasizes possessing the usual characteristics of a group or category.

ideal

Focuses on representing perfection or the best possible example.

FAQs

How can I use "paradigmatic" in a sentence?

The word "paradigmatic" is used to describe something that serves as a typical example or pattern of something. For instance, "The Model T is a "paradigmatic" example of early 20th-century mass production".

What are some alternatives to "paradigmatic"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "exemplary", "archetypal", or "quintessential". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "paradigmatic" a formal word?

Yes, "paradigmatic" is generally considered a formal word. It is often used in academic, scientific, or other professional contexts. In more casual settings, simpler words like "typical" or "classic" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "paradigmatic" and "typical"?

"Paradigmatic" implies serving as a clear and influential model, while "typical" simply means possessing the usual characteristics of something. Something that is "paradigmatic" sets a standard; something "typical" is just common.