BharatNotes Paradigm
nounUsage in a UPSC answer
India's developmental discourse has gradually shifted from a paradigm of state-led, growth-centric planning to one premised on sustainable, rights-based and inclusive development, reflecting a deeper reordering of national priorities.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
paradigmatic (adj), paradigmatically (adv), paradigm shift (compound n), paradigms (pl n)
Root
Greek para- = beside; deiknunai = to show → paradeigma = pattern, example; via Late Latin paradigma
Etymology
From late Latin paradigma, from Greek paradeigma "pattern, example", from paradeiknunai "to show side by side", from para- "beside" + deiknunai "to show". In English since the 15th century.
Memory Hook
Break it as "para-" (beside) + "-deigma" (to show) — a paradigm is the standard you "show beside" everything else to judge it; the model held up alongside as the benchmark.
How This Word Works in UPSC Writing
A framework of assumptions and methods within which a field operates. Its main use in GS3 and Essay is the phrase paradigm shift, meaning a change in the underlying framework rather than an incremental improvement within it. The discipline the word imposes is useful: calling something a paradigm shift commits you to showing that the assumptions changed, not merely that the technology or the scale did.
Don’t Confuse It With
A paradigm is the underlying framework of assumptions. A model is a specific representation within one. A paradigm shift replaces the framework itself. Incremental change improves practice while leaving the framework intact, and most changes described as paradigm shifts are actually of this second kind.
Hindi Meaning
प्रतिमान (pratimān); प्रतिमान बदलाव is a paradigm shift.
Common Questions
- What is a paradigm?
- The underlying framework of assumptions, concepts and methods within which a field of enquiry or practice operates.
- What is a paradigm shift?
- A change in the underlying framework itself, rather than an improvement or refinement made within the existing framework.
Seen in UPSC Question Papers
- Mains 2019 · GS2 · 15 marks — Governance
Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Paradigm” — proof this word earns its place on your list.
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