Paragon
/ˈpærəɡən/
nounC1
Definition
A paragon means a person or thing that is the best example of a particular good quality. It shows perfect or very high standards that others try to reach or copy. People often use it to describe someone who is very good or ideal in a way others admire.
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See It in Action
A perfect example of a good quality
- •She is a paragon of patience and kindness.
- •The athlete was a paragon of strength and discipline.
- •His honesty made him a paragon among his friends.
A model or standard to follow
- •The company's customer service is a paragon in the industry.
- •This painting is a paragon of Renaissance art.
- •The teacher held up the student's work as a paragon for others.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "paragon" like "example," but the BEST example you can imagine—like the perfect model everyone wants to be like.
- ✓Picture a shining diamond that is flawless and perfect in every way.
- ✓It's the feeling you get when you see someone who always does the right thing or is very kind—someone you want to be like.
- ✓Sounds like "PAIR-uh-gone" → imagine a pair (two) of people who are gone because only the perfect one remains as a model.
- ✓Think of a hero in a story who shows perfect bravery and kindness, like a prince or princess everyone respects.
- ✓NOT like "good" (just okay or average)—a paragon is much higher, almost perfect.
- ✓NOT like "role model" (someone you look up to)—a paragon is the perfect, ideal example, not just someone you admire.
- ✓NOT like "typical" (normal or usual)—a paragon is rare and special, not common.
Try Other Words
- •Ideal: perfect example or goal (Use when you want to show the best possible version of something)
- •Exemplar: a good example to follow (Use in formal or academic contexts)
- •Role model: someone to copy or admire (Use when talking about people others look up to)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (No clear prefix or suffix; "paragon" is a whole word)
- •Etymology: From Greek "parakonan," meaning "to sharpen" or "to make perfect"
- •Historical development: Originally meant a whetstone used to sharpen tools, later used metaphorically for something perfect or the highest standard
- •Modern usage: Used to describe a perfect example or ideal person or thing, especially in qualities like virtue, skill, or beauty
Reflect & Connect
•Can something be a paragon in one area but not in others? How do we decide what is perfect?
•How does calling someone a paragon affect the way we see or treat them?
Fill in the blanks
1.She is called a paragon ___ patience because she stays calm in difficult situations.
2.A paragon usually sets ___ for others to try and reach.
3.Unlike a regular good example, a paragon is almost ___ flawless.
4.The teacher showed the essay as a paragon ___ writing style to inspire students.
5.When someone is a paragon, people often feel ___ to be like them.
6.A paragon is different from a role model because it means a ___ perfect example.
7.The artist’s work is a paragon ___ creativity and skill in the gallery.