The word "paragon" is spelled with the phonemes /pəˈræɡən/ in IPA, which is a symbol system used to represent the sounds of spoken language. The first sound, /p/, is a voiceless bilabial plosive, followed by a schwa sound /ə/ and then an open-mid front unrounded vowel /æ/ which is the "a" sound. The next sound, /ɡ/, is a voiced velar plosive and is followed by another schwa sound /ə/ and a final voiced alveolar nasal sound /n/. The spelling of paragon can thus be understood through its phonetic transcription.
A paragon is a noun that refers to a person or thing regarded as the perfect example of a particular quality or virtue. It is often used to describe someone or something that is considered an ideal or model of excellence.
In the realm of personal qualities, a paragon is an individual who possesses outstanding virtues or attributes, setting the standard for others. For instance, a paragon of courage is someone who demonstrates bravery and fearlessness even in the face of danger, inspiring others to do the same. Similarly, a paragon of generosity is someone who displays exceptional kindness and selflessness in their actions, urging others to follow suit.
The term can also be used to describe an item or object that is considered the epitome of perfection. For instance, a paragon of beauty refers to something exceptionally aesthetically pleasing or visually captivating. It signifies a flawless and immaculate representation of its kind.
Overall, the concept of a paragon is closely aligned with the notion of an ideal or archetype. It signifies the pinnacle of excellence and serves as the ultimate reference point for comparison. Whether referring to individuals or things, a paragon is seen as the embodiment of a characteristic or quality, standing out as a shining example for others to emulate.
A model by way of distinction, implying superior excellence or perfection.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "paragon" is derived from the Old Italian word "paragone", which means "touchstone" or "standard of excellence". The Old Italian word, in turn, is derived from the Late Latin word "paragraphus", meaning "comparison" or "touchstone". The Late Latin word itself stems from the Greek word "parágraphos", which means "line for marking", referring to a line drawn alongside writing to compare and judge the quality of the text. Over time, "paragon" came to represent a model of perfection or excellence in various contexts.