PARAGON

paragon, idol, perfection, beau ideal

(noun) an ideal instance; a perfect embodiment of a concept

ideal, paragon, nonpareil, saint, apotheosis, nonesuch, nonsuch

(noun) model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

paragon (plural paragons)

A person of preeminent qualities, who acts as a pattern or model for others. [from 16th c.]

(obsolete) A companion; a match; an equal. [16th–19th c.]

(obsolete) Comparison; competition. [16th–17th c.]

(typography, printing, dated) The size of type between great primer and double pica, standardized as 20-point. [from 18th c.]

A flawless diamond of at least 100 carats.

Synonyms

• (model): See model

Verb

paragon (third-person singular simple present paragons, present participle paragoning, simple past and past participle paragoned)

To compare; to parallel; to put in rivalry or emulation with.

To compare with; to equal; to rival.

To serve as a model for; to surpass.

To be equal; to hold comparison.

Source: Wiktionary


Par"a*gon, n. Etym: [OF. paragon, F. parangon; cf. It. paragone, Sp. paragon, parangon; prob. fr. Gr.

1. A companion; a match; an equal. [Obs.] Spenser. Philoclea, who indeed had no paragon but her sister. Sir P. Sidney.

2. Emulation; rivalry; competition. [Obs.] Full many feats adventurous Performed, in paragon of proudest men. Spenser.

3. A model or pattern; a pattern of excellence or perfection; as, a paragon of beauty or eloquence. Udall. Man, . . . the paragon of animals ! Shak. The riches of sweet Mary's son, Boy-rabbi, Israel's paragon. Emerson.

4. (Print.)

Definition: A size of type between great primer and double pica. See the Note under Type.

Par"a*gon, v. t. Etym: [Cf. OF. paragonner, F. parangonner.]

1. To compare; to parallel; to put in rivalry or emulation with. [Obs.] Sir P. Sidney.

2. To compare with; to equal; to rival. [R.] Spenser. In arms anon to paragon the morn, The morn new rising. Glover.

3. To serve as a model for; to surpass. [Obs.] He hath achieved a maid That paragons description and wild fame. Shak.

Par"a*gon, v. i.

Definition: To be equal; to hold comparison. [R.] Few or none could . . . paragon with her. Shelton.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

10 April 2025

EXTINGUISHABLE

(adjective) capable of being extinguished or killed; “an extinguishable fire”; “hope too is extinguishable”


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Coffee Trivia

Plain brewed coffee contains almost no calories, while coffee with dairy products, sugar, and other flavorings is much higher in calories. An espresso has 20 calories. A nonfat latte has 72, while a flavored one has 134.

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