Pattern
'pætərn
Definitions
3 meaningsA recurring or regular arrangement of elements or events.
'pætərn
A repeated or regular arrangement.
The dress had a beautiful floral pattern.
💡 Simply: Think of it like a design that keeps repeating itself, like the squares on a checkerboard or the stripes on a zebra. It's a predictable way things are arranged.
👶 For kids: It's like a design that repeats itself, like the dots on a ladybug!
More Examples
The data revealed a clear pattern in the market's behavior.
Children learn to recognize patterns in nature, such as the stripes on a tiger.
How It's Used
"Scientists study weather patterns to predict future storms."
"The wallpaper featured a floral pattern."
A model or template, such as a design or mold, used in creating something else.
'pætərn
A model or template used to make something.
The dressmaker used a pattern to cut the fabric.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're baking cookies. The cookie cutter is like the pattern – you use it to shape the dough exactly the way you want. It’s a guide for making something.
👶 For kids: It's a shape you use to cut out cookies or make clothes.
More Examples
The architect followed the building pattern.
Use this pattern to trace the design on your canvas.
How It's Used
"The tailor used a paper pattern to cut the fabric."
"The engineer followed the pattern when building the prototype."
To create something based on a pattern or model.
'pætərn
To make or model something after a pattern.
The artist patterned her painting after a famous work.
💡 Simply: It's like copying a picture! You’re using something that already exists to create something similar or the same. Like, if you follow a recipe, you're patterning a meal.
👶 For kids: It's like copying a drawing.
More Examples
The company patterned their new advertising campaign after a competitor's successful approach.
She patterned the clay bowl after one she saw in a museum.
How It's Used
"She patterned the quilt after an antique design."
"The company will pattern their new strategy after a successful competitor."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
follow a pattern
To do something in a way that is similar to something that has happened before or according to an established plan.
"The detective noticed that the crimes followed a distinct pattern."
From Middle English *patron*, from Old French *patron* (“example, model”), from Latin *patronus* (“patron, protector, defender, advocate; model, example”), from *pater* (“father”).
The word 'pattern' has been used since the 13th century, initially referring to a model or example, and later evolving to include repeated designs and arrangements.
Memory tip
Picture a repeated design on a fabric.
Word Origin
"model, example, protector (Latin)"