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definitions

paradigmatic

[par-uh-dig-mat-ik]
See more synonyms for paradigmatic on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. of or relating to a paradigm.
  2. 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.
Sometimes par·a·dig·mat·i·cal.

Origin of paradigmatic

1655–65; < Greek paradeigmatikós, equivalent to paradeigmat-, stem of parádeigma paradigm + -ikos -ic
Related formspar·a·dig·mat·i·cal·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for paradigmatic

archetypal, average, characteristic, classic, classical, common, commonplace, emblematic, essential, everyday, exemplary, expected, general, habitual, ideal, illustrative, indicative, model, natural, normal

Examples from the Web for paradigmatic

Contemporary Examples of paradigmatic

  • Though held in contempt by a large plurality of the nation, Cheney qualifies as a paradigmatic American, like it or not.

    The Daily Beast logo
    The Quintessential American

    James Carroll

    December 3, 2009

Historical Examples of paradigmatic

  • These inflections are used chiefly in the paradigmatic combinations.

  • In an Indian language it is usually found difficult to elaborate a system of tenses in paradigmatic form.

  • It is worthy of remark that all paradigmatic inflection in a civilized tongue is a relic of its barbaric condition.

  • It should here be noted that paradigmatic inflections are used for two distinct purposes, qualification and relation.