paragon

Meaning

Noun

1. A person of preeminent qualities, who acts as a pattern or model for others.
2. (obsolete) A companion; a match; an equal.
3. (obsolete) Comparison; competition.
4. The size of type between great primer and double pica, standardized as 20-point.
5. A flawless diamond of at least 100 carats.

Verb

1. To compare; to parallel; to put in rivalry or emulation with.
2. To compare with; to equal; to rival.
3. To serve as a model for; to surpass.
4. To be equal; to hold comparison.

Synonyms

model

ideal

pattern

example

prototype

perfection

saint

archetype

beau ideal

apotheosis

standard

exemplar

idol

mirror

🪞

nonesuch

nonpareil

nonsuch

paradigm

picture

master

match

mate

🧉

vanquisher

champion

winner

victor

exemplum

painting

🖼️

procreator

parallel

bill of sale

antitype

philanthropist

phoenix

role modem

agent

quintessence

receipt

🧾

rose

🌹

agency

simile

specimen

effigy

conqueror

teacher

🧑‍🏫

exemplification

compare

title holder

image

leader

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈpæɹəɡən/

Etymology

Cognate with Spanish: parangón

In summary

From Anglo-Norman paragone, peragone, Middle French paragon, from Italian paragone (“comparison”) or Spanish parangón, from Mediaeval Greek παρακόνη (parakonē, "whetstone"), from Ancient Greek παρακονάω (parakonáō, “I sharpen, whet”), from παρά (pará) + ἀκόνη (akónē, “whetstone”) (from Proto-Indo-European *h₂eḱ- (“sharp”)).