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HOW TO PRONOUNCE

paragon

/ˈpæɹəˌɡɔn/

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American Pronunciation Guide · 0:39
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What does paragon mean?

noun

  1. A person of preeminent qualities, who acts as a pattern or model for others.
  2. A flawless diamond of at least 100 carats.

verb

  1. To compare; to parallel; to put in rivalry or emulation with.
More meanings (6)

verb

  1. To compare with; to equal; to rival.
  2. To serve as a model for; to surpass.
  3. To be equal; to hold comparison.

noun

  1. (obsolete) A companion; a match; an equal.
  2. (obsolete) Comparison; competition.
  3. (dated) The size of type between great primer and double pica, standardized as 20-point.

Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0

IPA pronunciation

/ˈpæɹəˌɡɔn/

Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Other dictionary pronunciations

/ˈpæɹəˌɡɑn//ˈpæɹəɡən//ˈpær əˌɡɒn//ˈpær əˌɡən/
Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.

In the pages of books

See this word in context.

I have never met that sort of paragon myself, but I have seen these paragons advertised amongst ships for sale.
Joseph ConradThe Mirror of the SeaProject Gutenberg ebook #1058
Here, let history mention with due honour the paragon of her sex and the pattern to all wives of book-collecting men—Madame Fertiault.
Andrew LangThe LibraryProject Gutenberg ebook #2018
More book examples (3)
The most popular single variety of chestnut is the Paragon, which bears large and excellent nuts when the tree is very young.
L. H. (Liberty Hyde) BaileyManual of Gardening (Second Edition) A Practical Guide to the Making of Home Grounds and the Growing of Flowers, Fruits, and Vegetables for Home UseProject Gutenberg ebook #9550
Clearly, your paragon of a doctor is not going to be of much assistance in pulling up the esthetic tone of this establishment.
Jean WebsterDear EnemyProject Gutenberg ebook #238
The truth about the American telephone girl is that she has become so highly efficient that we now expect her to be a paragon of perfection.
Herbert Newton CassonThe History of the TelephoneProject Gutenberg ebook #819