Paradigm/ˈpærədaɪm/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/2Common Example Remember 'paradigm' illustrates a standard or common method that is widely accepted. A minivan is a paradigm for family transport. Pro Tip 2/2Not Always Positive 'Paradigm' does not imply good or bad, just that something serves as a clear example. Dinosaurs are a paradigm of extinction.