paradigma

paradigm; model

noun pah-rah-DEEG-mah Rare

Origin: From Greek paradeigma (pattern, example).

Usage Note

Paradigma ends in -a but is masculine — el paradigma — a pattern shared by several Greek-origin words in Spanish (el problema, el tema, el sistema). It is used both in the academic sense of a dominant theoretical framework (as in Kuhn's 'paradigm shift') and more loosely to mean a perfect example or model.

Examples

"Este descubrimiento supuso un cambio de paradigma."

Natural Translation

This discovery represented a paradigm shift.

Free starter pack

Building your Spanish vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common Spanish words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

Preterite vs. Imperfect: Spanish Past Tense Made Easy

Preterite vs. imperfect: use the preterite for finished events, the imperfect for ongoing scenery. A trigger-word cheat sheet, flowchart, and examples.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

The Spanish Cheek Kiss: Greeting Etiquette by Country

Two kisses in Spain, one in most of Latin America. Master the Spanish cheek kiss greeting — which cheek first, the air-kiss mechanics, and when to shake hands.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Tell Time in Spanish: A Beginner's Guide

Tell time in Spanish with one formula: es la una vs son las, y and menos for minutes, plus de la mañana, en punto, and 24-hour station times.

June 9, 2026 5 min read

SpanishNow

Mexican Spanish Slang Every Traveler Should Know

Mexican Spanish slang decoded for travelers: what güey, mande, órale, and ahorita really mean, who you can safely say them to, and how rude each one is.

June 9, 2026 6 min read