paradigmatic
[par-uh-dig-mat-ik]
- of or relating to a paradigm.
- Linguistics. pertaining to a relationship among linguistic elements that can substitute for each other in a given context, as the relationship of sun in The sun is shining to other nouns, as moon, star, or light, that could substitute for it in that sentence, or of is shining to was shining, shone, will shine, etc., as well as to is rising, is setting, etc.Compare syntagmatic.
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Sometimes par·a·dig·mat·i·cal.
Origin of paradigmatic
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for paradigmatic
Contemporary Examples
Though held in contempt by a large plurality of the nation, Cheney qualifies as a paradigmatic American, like it or not.
Historical Examples
These inflections are used chiefly in the paradigmatic combinations.
On the Evolution of LanguageJohn Wesley Powell
In an Indian language it is usually found difficult to elaborate a system of tenses in paradigmatic form.
On the Evolution of LanguageJohn Wesley Powell
It is worthy of remark that all paradigmatic inflection in a civilized tongue is a relic of its barbaric condition.
On the Evolution of LanguageJohn Wesley Powell
It should here be noted that paradigmatic inflections are used for two distinct purposes, qualification and relation.
On the Evolution of LanguageJohn Wesley Powell