1. a person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality.
   “It would have taken a paragon of douchebaggery to push the elderly nun down that back stairway, which is, unfortunately for Sister Antoinette, exactly what Father Sullivan was.”
2. a person or thing viewed as a model of excellence.
   “‘Your cook is a paragon,’ said the cartel leader of his friend’s newest batch of meth.”
3. a perfect diamond of 100 carats or more.                                           “‘You can like and want to put a ring on it all you want, but I ain’t saying yes unless I get a paragon, you rich mothafucka,’ the chanteuse was heard to whisper.”

1. awkward, embarrassing, or unsophisticated ways.

“He had hoped that she had long since gotten over various gaucheries such as smelling her Q-tips after cleaning her ears and picking at her toenails during therapy.  He was, once again, disappointed.”