paradigm shift
The term 'paradigm shift' was popularized by Thomas Kuhn in his 1962 book *The Structure of Scientific Revolutions*, describing a major change in the underlying principles of a particular domain.
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Definition
C1Science
(technical, academic)A major change in the fundamental concepts and practices of a scientific discipline.
Example
- The transition from Newtonian mechanics to quantum mechanics is a classic example of a paradigm shift.
B2General
(formal)A profound change in the way of thinking about or understanding something.
Example
- The advent of the internet caused a paradigm shift in how businesses operate.
C1Business
(formal)A dramatic change in business practices, often due to new technologies or innovations.
Example
- E-commerce has led to a paradigm shift in retail.
C1Psychology
(academic)A transformation in the way an individual or group perceives and interacts with the world.
Example
- Undergoing therapy can result in a paradigm shift in a person's outlook on life.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "paradigm shift":