paragon

Definition

A person of preeminent qualities, who acts as a pattern or model for others.

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman paragone, peragone, Middle French paragon, from Italian paragone (“comparison”) or Spanish parangón, from Byzantine Greek παρακόνη (parakónē, “whetstone”), from Ancient Greek παρακονάω (parakonáō, “I sharpen, whet”), from παρά (pará) + ἀκόνη (akónē, “whetstone”) (from Proto-Indo-European *h₂eḱ- (“sharp”)).

Example Sentences

• "In the novel, Constanza is a paragon of virtue who would never compromise her reputation."
• "What a piece of worke is man! how Noble in Reaſon? […] the beauty of the world, the Parragon of Animals;"
• "That thou might'st cherish for thine own / The riches of sweet Mary's son, / Boy-Rabbi, Israel's paragon."