English Explanatory Dictionary

paragon

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A person of preeminent qualities, who acts as a pattern or model for others.
  2. A companion; a match; an equal.
  3. Comparison; competition.
  4. The size of type between great primer and double pica, standardized as 20-point.
  5. A flawless diamond of at least 100 carats.
verb
  1. To compare; to parallel; to put in rivalry or emulation with.
  2. To compare with; to equal; to rival.
  3. To serve as a model for; to surpass.
  4. To be equal; to hold comparison.

Pronunciation

/ˈpæɹəɡən/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-paragon.wav /ˈpæɹəˌɡɔn/ /ˈpæɹəˌɡɑn/ En-us-paragon.ogg

Word forms

paragon paragons paragoning paragoned

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French paragon, paragone, from Old Italian paragone, from paragonare (“to test on a touchstone”), perhaps from Ancient Greek παρακονᾶν (parakonân, “to sharpen, whet”), from παρά- (pará-) + ἀκόνη (akónē, “whetstone, sharpening stone”), from ἀκή (akḗ, “point, edge”) (from Proto-Indo-European *h₂eḱ- (“sharp”)).

Synonyms

archetype epitome example exemplar icon model paradigm paragon pattern quintessence template

Derived words

outparagon paragade paragonize paragonless
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