Definition of paragon

The word "paragon" comes from the Middle English word "paragon," which meant "a sample for comparison or model to be imitated." The origin of this word can be traced back to the late 14th century, when it was borrowed from the Old French "parangon," which itself derived from the Latin "paragōnus," meaning "comparison" or "model." In its earliest use, "paragon" was associated with the process of testing the purity of metals by comparing them with a standard sample. This use of the word can still be seen in its current definition, which refers to a person or thing that is an ideal or perfect example of a particular quality or characteristic. The implication here is that this paragon is a standard or model for others to aspire to, much like the original use of the word in metal testing. Over time, the use of "paragon" has expanded beyond its origins in metal testing to refer to other examples of excellence, such as a paragon of virtue or a paragon of beauty. In literary contexts, a paragon is often used to describe a character who embodies certain qualities that others strive to emulate, such as courage, wisdom, or kindness. In summary, the word "paragon" derives from the Old French "parangon," which was adopted into Middle English in the late 14th century. It originally referred to a standard sample used to test the purity of metals but has come to be used more broadly to describe a person, thing, or quality that is an exemplary representation of its kind.