pattern

/'pætən/
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pattern

A child arranges colorful blocks to create a repeating pattern on the floor.

Definition
  1. Noun:

    • A repeated decorative design: A regular and intelligible form or sequence discernible in the way something happens or is done, especially as a visual arrangement.
    • A model or guide used for making things: Something designed or used as a model for creating similar items.
    • A regular and intelligible form or sequence: A discernible regularity in the world or in a man-made design, often used to predict future events or understand a system.
    • An example worthy of imitation: A person or thing considered to be a perfect example of a particular quality or type.
  2. Verb:

    • To form a pattern: To arrange or design in a particular form or sequence.
    • To model something on something else: To plan, form, or create according to a model or example.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:

    • The fabric had a beautiful floral pattern. (The cloth featured a repeated design of flowers.)
    • Her daily routine followed a predictable pattern. (Her everyday activities occurred in a regular, repeated sequence.)
    • Use this paper pattern to cut out the dress. (Use this template as a guide for cutting the fabric for the dress.)
    • His generosity set a pattern for others to follow. (His generous behavior served as a model for imitation.)
  • Verb:

    • The birds patterned the sky with their flight. (The birds' flight formed a visible design in the sky.)
    • The new law was patterned after similar legislation in Europe. (The new law was modeled on or created based on similar European laws.)
Advanced Usage
  • "To pattern oneself on/after someone": To try to be like or copy someone.

    • He patterned his management style after his mentor. (He modeled his way of managing on his mentor's style.)
  • "Behavioral pattern": A habitual way of acting or reacting.

    • The therapist helped her identify self-destructive behavioral patterns. (The therapist helped her recognize repeated, harmful ways of behaving.)
  • "Pattern recognition": The automated identification of shapes, designs, or regularities in data.

    • Advanced software uses pattern recognition to identify faces in photos. (The software automatically detects facial features by finding common visual structures.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Patterned (adj): Decorated with a design.

    • She wore a patterned scarf. (Her scarf had a design on it.)
  • Patterning (n): The act of making a pattern; the formation of a pattern.

    • The patterning of light and shadow created a dramatic effect. (The way the light and dark areas were arranged produced a striking visual.)
  • Patternless (adj): Lacking a pattern.

    • The wall was painted a patternless gray. (The wall was a solid, uniform gray color with no design.)
Synonyms
  • Design: A plan or drawing produced to show the look and function of something before it is made.
  • Model: A three-dimensional representation or a standard for imitation.
  • Template: A shaped piece of rigid material used as a pattern for processes such as cutting out.
  • Sequence: A particular order in which related events, movements, or things follow each other.
  • Habit: A settled or regular tendency or practice.
Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions
  • Pattern after/on/upon: To use something as a model.
    • The architect patterned the building's facade on classical Greek temples. (The architect designed the building's front based on the style of ancient Greek temples.)
Related Idioms
  • A pattern of behavior: A consistent, habitual way of acting.

    • The investigator looked for a pattern of behavior in the suspect's past. (The investigator searched for repeated actions in the suspect's history.)
  • Break the pattern: To do something differently from the usual or expected way.

    • She decided to break the pattern and travel instead of going straight to college. (She chose to change her usual course of action and take a trip.)
pattern

A child arranges colorful blocks to create a repeating pattern on the floor.

Noun
  1. graphical representation (in polar or Cartesian coordinates) of the spatial distribution of radiation from an antenna as a function of angle
  2. the path that is prescribed for an airplane that is preparing to land at an airport
    • the traffic patterns around O'Hare are very crowded
    • they stayed in the pattern until the fog lifted
  3. something intended as a guide for making something else
    • a blueprint for a house
    • a pattern for a skirt
  4. a model considered worthy of imitation
    • the American constitution has provided a pattern for many republics
  5. something regarded as a normative example
    • the convention of not naming the main character
    • violence is the rule not the exception
    • his formula for impressing visitors
  6. a decorative or artistic work
    • the coach had a design on the doors
  7. a customary way of operation or behavior
    • it is their practice to give annual raises
    • they changed their dietary pattern
  8. a perceptual structure
    • the composition presents problems for students of musical form
    • a visual pattern must include not only objects but the spaces between them
Verb
  1. form a pattern
    • These sentences pattern like the ones we studied before
  2. plan or create according to a model or models