paradigmatic

American  

[par-uh-dig-mat-ik] / ˌpær ə dɪgˈmæt ɪk /

Sometimes paradigmatical

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.

---

Other Word Forms

• paradigmatically adverb

Etymology

Origin of paradigmatic

1655–65; < Greek paradeigmatikós, equivalent to paradeigmat-, stem of parádeigma paradigm + -ikos -ic

Compare meaning

How does paradigmatic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• syntagmatic vs. paradigmatic

Example Sentences

“The truth is that the olive is the paradigmatic species when it comes to resisting a lack of water,” she said.

From Seattle Times

“Sin Fin,” a collaboration with Timberlake, is perhaps the most paradigmatic song on an album rooted in both the past and future.

From New York Times

But her words and actions are paradigmatic of how "Christian" nationalists, primarily driven by white evangelicals, use their power and influence to dominate media narratives and political processes.

From Salon

Schonfeld’s prayer, called “The Fifth Child: The Refugee Child,” fits in a centuries-old section of the Haggadah that describes four paradigmatic children and how they would respond to learning about the Israelites’ exodus.

From Washington Post

That is just a paradigmatic story of how internet companies get built.

From The Verge