© 2026 Sloth Lingo. Learn easy. Lounge wisely.

paradigmatic

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌpærəˈdaɪɡmətɪk/

KK: /ˌpærəˈdaɪɡmətɪk/

adjective
Definition

Relating to a typical example or model of something, often used in linguistics to describe relationships between words or units in a language.


Example

The study of paradigmatic relationships helps linguists understand how words can be substituted for one another in different contexts.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever thought about how paradigmatic examples shape our understanding of language?
Sloth B
Totally! They really help clarify complex concepts.
Sloth A
Exactly! I find it fascinating how one example can influence our perspective.
Sloth B
For sure, it makes learning so much easier when you have a clear reference.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
exemplary
typical
model
Antonyms
atypical
unrepresentative
aberrant
Root Explanation

Paradigmatic → It is formed from "paradeigma" (meaning pattern or example) and the suffix "-atic" (meaning pertaining to). The word "paradigmatic" refers to something that serves as a pattern or example, particularly in a grammatical or theoretical context.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'pattern' ('paradeigma') that something relates to, and remember that 'paradigmatic' means pertaining to that pattern.

Visually Confused Words
pragmatic
pragmatics
pragmatica
primatic
Is this page helpful?