Paragon
A paragon is a person or thing regarded as the perfect example of a particular quality; an ideal model worthy of imitation.
nounParagon
A paragon is a person or thing regarded as the perfect example of a particular quality; an ideal model worthy of imitation.
nounImagine This
The Pentagon is a classified compound that should be modeled after by other nations in its complexity and efficiency.
Sounds Like
Pentagon
Looks Like
Aragon (an ancient kingdom in northeast Spain; used as a memory cue for 'model of excellence')
Remember This
Par- or para- β a prefix meaning beside or beyond. Paramedical β supplementing and supporting medical work. Paranormal β beyond the normal explanation.
Other Forms
Connect With
exemplar, epitome, model, ideal, benchmark
Note
Paragon typically refers to an outstanding example of a quality (such as virtue, courage, or elegance). It is not used for merely average or good things. It is often followed by 'of' (paragon of X). Be careful not to overstate; a paragon is exceptional, not just good.
Study Deeper
- She is a paragon of integrity, always honest and fair.
- The chef was a paragon of culinary precision and discipline.
From Italian paragone meaning 'model of excellence' or 'comparison,' from Greek para- 'beside' + agΕn 'contest' (a standard of excellence to compare against).
Think of PARA- as 'beside' and imagine a statue or figure standing beside all others as the perfect exampleβthis is your paragon.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abasement
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Absurdity
nounThe quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.
Accent
nounA distinctive way of pronouncing words; the act of emphasizing a syllable or word (as a verb, to accent means to emphasize).
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nounAn honor; a public expression of praise or an award.
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Acronym
nounA word formed from the initial letters of a phrase, pronounced as a single word and used as a shorthand for the full name (for example, NASA or radar).