paradigmatic

[ par-uh-dig-mat-ik ]
See 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.

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Origin of paradigmatic

1
1655–65; <Greek paradeigmatikós, equivalent to paradeigmat-, stem of parádeigmaparadigm + -ikos-ic
  • Sometimes par·a·dig·mat·i·cal .

Other words from paradigmatic

  • par·a·dig·mat·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words Nearby paradigmatic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use paradigmatic in a sentence

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

    The Quintessential American | James Carroll | December 3, 2009 | THE DAILY BEAST
  • In an Indian language it is usually found difficult to elaborate a system of tenses in paradigmatic form.

    On the Evolution of Language | John Wesley Powell
  • These categories constitute conjugations and declensions, and for convenience such combinations may be called paradigmatic.

    On the Evolution of Language | John 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 Language | John Wesley Powell
  • It should here be noted that paradigmatic inflections are used for two distinct purposes, qualification and relation.

    On the Evolution of Language | John Wesley Powell