paragon

[par-uh-gon, -guhn]

noun

1. a model or pattern of excellence or of a particular excellence.

   a paragon of virtue.

   Synonyms: paradigm, exemplar, example, quintessence, epitome, standard, ideal

2. someone of exceptional merit.

   Just who is this paragon whose name is on everyone's lips?

   Synonyms: nonpareil, nonesuch

3. Printing.,  a 20-point type.

4. an unusually large, round pearl.

verb (used with object)

1. Rare.,  to compare; parallel.

2. Archaic.,  to be a match for; rival.

3. Obsolete.,  to surpass.

4. Obsolete.,  to regard as a paragon.

paragon

/ ˈpærəɡən /

noun

1. a model of excellence; pattern

   a paragon of virtue

2. a size of printer's type, approximately equal to 20 point

verb

1. archaic

   1. to equal or surpass

   2. to compare

   3. to regard as a paragon

Other Word Forms

• paragonless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of paragon¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Middle French paragon, parangon “model,” from Old Italian paragone “touchstone,” from paragonare “to compare, test on a touchstone,” from Greek parakonân “to sharpen, whet,” equivalent to para- “beside, alongside” + akonân “to sharpen, whet,” a derivative of akónē “whetstone, bone”

Word History and Origins

Origin of paragon¹

C16: via French from Old Italian paragone comparison, from Medieval Greek parakonē whetstone, from Greek parakonan to sharpen against, from _para- ¹ + akonan to sharpen, from akonē whetstone

Example Sentences

And Hanks himself, that paragon of niceness, has only become a bigger avatar of American identity.

From Salon

"He's not a paragon of technical prowess, nor does he stand out for his vision, his long ball touch, or his ability to link up," said Real Sociedad expert Ramajo.

From BBC

Though it’s the paragon for gay romance films, the movie’s air of prestige has somewhat clouded its thematic resonance over the years.

From Salon

He blames Nora for the hurt he’ll never get over, but he doesn’t want to go down as the paragon of bad husbands.

From Los Angeles Times

Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra held the Jewish community up as a paragon for what the state ought to strive for in challenging times.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• apotheosis 
• epitome 
• exemplar