paragon

noun

par·a·gon | \ ˈper-ə-ˌgän

, -gən, ˈpa-rə-\

Definition of paragon

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a model of excellence or perfection was a paragon of goodness a paragon of a wife

paragon

verb

paragoned; paragoning; paragons

Definition of paragon (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to compare with : parallel

2 : to put in rivalry : match

3 obsolete : surpass

Synonyms Paragon Has Old Italian and Greek Roots More Example Sentences Learn More about paragon

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Paragon Has Old Italian and Greek Roots

Noun

Paragon derives from the Old Italian word paragone, which literally means "touchstone." A touchstone is a black stone that was formerly used to judge the purity of gold or silver. The metal was rubbed on the stone and the color of the streak it left indicated its quality. In modern English, both touchstone and paragon have come to signify a standard against which something should be judged. Ultimately, paragon comes from the Greek parakonan, meaning "to sharpen," from the prefix para- ("alongside of") and akonē, meaning "whetstone."

Examples of paragon in a Sentence

Noun

in Arthurian legend, Sir Galahad is depicted as the one knight who is a paragon of virtue

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

With a rippling 255-pound physique, Alzado was also the paragon of fitness in the league. — The Si Staff, SI.com, "100 Figures Who Shaped the NFL’s First Century," 28 Aug. 2019 Alonso is a paragon, hitting .253 with 20 home runs at Citi Field and .265 with 18 home runs away from it. — Michael Powell, New York Times, "As Wins Pile Up, Mets and Their Fans Soak in the Moment," 10 Aug. 2019 The painting is a masterwork, the organizers of this show from the Art Institute and the Getty argue, a paragon on canvas of modern femininity, of haute fashion, of painterly technique, of seasonal representation. — Steve Johnson, chicagotribune.com, "'Manet and Modern Beauty' now at the Art Institute suggests that you don't know your Manet," 12 June 2019 In the opposing dugout, the left-handed starting pitcher served as a paragon for the value of these skills. — Andy Mccullough, latimes.com, "Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw wins on grit, not power," 13 June 2019 Her appearances during Season 1 mainly come into relevance via her profession as a yoga teacher, which serves to characterize her as a paragon of contemporary progressive ideals. — Shamira Ibrahim, The Atlantic, "Will Big Little Lies Finally Show Up for Bonnie?," 21 July 2019 But the event has grown every year as a paragon of Boulder wackiness, and there will be about 1,000 people joining Kagan this time around. — Mitchell Byars, The Know, "PHOTOS: Annual Tube To Work Day sends workers, laptops down Boulder Creek Friday morning," 19 July 2019 Not long after that, Gary, not a paragon of heart-healthy living, experienced his own heart attack. — John Marboe, Twin Cities, "John Marboe: Mayor Gary of the Midway," 27 June 2019 The band of self-interested survivors clustered around the prime minister are not paragons of consistency or principle. — The Economist, "The leader of the Thai junta tortures the rules to remain in power," 8 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'paragon.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for paragon

paragon

noun

English Language Learners Definition of paragon

formal : a person or thing that is perfect or excellent in some way and should be considered a model or example to be copied

See the full definition for paragon in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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paragon

Definition of paragon

Synonyms for paragon

Paragon Has Old Italian and Greek Roots

Examples of paragon in a Sentence

First Known Use of paragon

History and Etymology for paragon

English Language Learners Definition of paragon

paragon

Definition of paragon

Synonyms for paragon

Paragon Has Old Italian and Greek Roots

Examples of paragon in a Sentence

First Known Use of paragon

History and Etymology for paragon

English Language Learners Definition of paragon

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