paragon

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "paragon" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something that is seen as a perfect example or model of a particular quality. For example, "He was a paragon of patience and understanding throughout the difficult situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a refreshing surprise to encounter these glorious matriarchs in a country infamous for machismo and misogyny, where the stereotypical ideal female is the retiring mujer abnegada – a paragon of restraint and pious self-sacrifice.

The Guardian - Travel

I have never met a doctor who embodies this paragon of medical vice, but such a pervasive myth cannot be entirely without basis.

The Guardian

Before that, he was a paragon of health and durability in Minnesota.

The New York Times - Sports

On paper Brazil's prisons are a paragon of modernity.

The Economist

With its uncluttered start screen and clean memory, the little Windows tablet has proved a paragon of good behaviour.

The Economist

And the opposition is hardly a paragon of virtue.

The Economist

It would surely have benefited from a similar capability.Why, then, was such an aerial paragon not ancestral to any modern creature?

The Economist

"The Europeanisation of political elites was largely taken for granted," says Alina Mungiu-Pippidi, a Berlin-based Romanian academic.Even in Slovenia once seen as a paragon of good government lawmakers are trying to close down the commission for the prevention of corruption, run by Mr Kos, arguing that it is expensive and unnecessary.

The Economist

Recently the commission was even attacked by that paragon of free-market purity, the British government, for daring to cast doubts on the British Airways/American Airlines deal--hardly the act of a toothless watchdog.

The Economist

However, this would mark a shift from the norm in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the Gulf, and the Saudi fund is likely to operate more along the lines of the GIC, which provides little detail about its operations beyond indicating the total value of its portfolio (US$100bn) and the countries where its operates.The PIF itself is hardly a paragon of transparency.

The Economist

In stark contrast to the more commonly heard tales of domestic abuse and cruelty to servants, this man was a paragon of kindness.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "paragon", ensure the quality you are referencing is clear and well-defined. For instance, instead of saying "He is a paragon", specify "He is a paragon of virtue".

Common error

Avoid hastily labeling something or someone a "paragon" without sufficient evidence or justification. Overuse can dilute the term's significance and impact.

Linguistic Context

The word "paragon" functions primarily as a noun, designating a person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality. Ludwig examples show it often modifies nouns like "virtue", "health", or "transparency", highlighting the exemplary nature. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "paragon" is a noun denoting something or someone that serves as a perfect example of a particular quality. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use across diverse contexts, particularly in news media and formal writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically sound and suitable for use in professional English. When employing "paragon", be sure to clearly define the quality it exemplifies to avoid ambiguity. Although it is widely used, overuse can diminish its impact. Remember that while phrases like "perfect example", "model of excellence", or "epitome" can serve as alternatives, "paragon" carries a specific weight and formality that makes it especially fitting for describing an exceptional instance of a virtue or attribute.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perfect example

Focuses on the exemplification of an ideal, shifting from inherent quality to representational status.

model of excellence

Emphasizes the superlative degree of quality and its role as something to be imitated.

epitome

Highlights the quintessential nature of the subject, suggesting it embodies the very essence of a quality.

ideal standard

Underscores the role as a benchmark against which others are measured.

gold standard

Implies an ultimate, unquestionable level of quality, similar to a benchmark.

prime example

Highlights that it is a leading instance, not necessarily the absolute best.

shining example

Adds a layer of visibility and obviousness to the ideal.

embodiment

Focuses on the tangible representation of an abstract quality.

height of perfection

Emphasizes the highest achievable level of a desirable attribute.

ultimate expression

Highlights the conclusive and definitive manifestation of something.

FAQs

How can I use the word "paragon" in a sentence?

You can use "paragon" to describe someone or something that is a perfect example of a particular quality. For instance, "She is a paragon of patience" or "The new software is a paragon of efficiency".

What are some alternatives to using "paragon" in writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "perfect example", "model of excellence", or "epitome" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say someone is "a paragon of something", or should I use a different construction?

The correct and most common construction is "a paragon of something". For instance, "a paragon of virtue", "a paragon of honesty", etc. Other constructions may sound awkward or unnatural.

What is the difference between "paragon" and "prototype"?

"Paragon" refers to something that is the best possible example of a quality, while "prototype" refers to an initial model or sample of a design or product. They are not interchangeable.