Vocabulary in context
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Paragon
A paragon is a person or thing regarded as the perfect example of a particular quality; an ideal model worthy of imitation.
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Imagine This
The Pentagon is a classified compound that should be modeled after by other nations in its complexity and efficiency.
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Sounds Like
Pentagon
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Looks Like
Aragon (an ancient kingdom in northeast Spain; used as a memory cue for 'model of excellence')
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Remember This
Par- or para- → a prefix meaning beside or beyond. Paramedical → supplementing and supporting medical work. Paranormal → beyond the normal explanation.
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Other Forms
paragonsnoun
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Connect With
exemplar, epitome, model, ideal, benchmark
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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.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- She is a paragon of integrity, always honest and fair.
- The chef was a paragon of culinary precision and discipline.
Synonyms
epitomeexemplarmodelidealbenchmark
Antonyms
flawdefectimperfectionmediocrity
Etymology
From Italian paragone meaning 'model of excellence' or 'comparison,' from Greek para- 'beside' + agōn 'contest' (a standard of excellence to compare against).
Mnemonic
Think of PARA- as 'beside' and imagine a statue or figure standing beside all others as the perfect example—this is your paragon.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abasement
nounThe act or instance of humiliating or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in dignity or status.
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).
Accolade
nounAn honor; a public expression of praise or an award.
Acrimony
nounBitterness of speech or manner; ill feeling
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).
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