What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
paragon
Example
She was a paragon of virtue and integrity. [paragon: noun]
Example
The new sports car was a paragon of engineering and design. [paragon: adjective]
standard
Example
The company has set a high standard for customer service. [standard: noun]
Example
The team failed to meet the standard performance requirements. [standard: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Standard is more commonly used than paragon in everyday language. Standard is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while paragon is less common and more limited in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between paragon and standard?
Paragon is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while standard is more practical and utilitarian, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.