Paragon

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈpærəɡən/

Origin

From Anglo-Norman paragone, peragone, Middle French paragon, from Italian paragone ("comparison"), from paragonare, from Ancient Greek παρακονάω (parakonaō, "I sharpen, whet"), from παρά + ἀκόνη (akonē, "whetstone").

Full definition of paragon

Noun

1. A person of preeminent qualities, who acts as a pattern or model of some given (especially positive) quality. from 16th c.In the novel, Constanza is a paragon of virtue who would never compromise her reputation.
• ShakespeareMan, ... the paragon of animals!
• EmersonThe riches of sweet Mary's son,
  Boy-rabbi, Israel's paragon.
2. (obsolete) A companion; a match; an equal. 16th–19th c.
• Sir Philip SidneyPhiloclea, who indeed had no paragon but her sister
3. (obsolete) Comparison; competition. 16th–17th c.
• 1590, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, III.ix:good by paragone
  Of euill, may more notably be rad,
  As white seemes fairer, macht with blacke attone ....
4. (typography) A size of type between great primer and double pica. from 18th c.
5. A flawless diamond of at least 100 carats.

Synonyms

Verb

1. To compare; to parallel; to put in rivalry or emulation with.
2. To compare with; to equal; to rival.
• GloverIn arms anon to paragon the morn,
  The morn new rising.
3. To serve as a model for; to surpass.
• ShakespeareHe hath achieved a maid
  That paragons description and wild fame.
4. To be equal; to hold comparison.