pattern
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.a design or decoration that repeats the same shapes or colours.
n.a decorative arrangement of repeated shapes, lines, or colours on a surface.
Simple“The wallpaper has a pretty floral pattern that repeats every few inches.”
In context“The architect incorporated a geometric pattern into the floor tiles to echo the building's structural symmetry.”
Synonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
n.the regular way in which something happens or is done.
n.a consistent or characteristic way in which something happens, develops, or is arranged.
Simple“The doctor noticed a pattern in the patient's symptoms every morning.”
In context“Meteorologists are studying the changing weather patterns to better predict the frequency of severe storms in the region.”
Antonyms - 03 B1 Intermediate
n.a guide or shape used to help you make something, like clothes.
n.a template or guide used as a model for making something, particularly in sewing or manufacturing.
Simple“She bought a paper pattern to help her sew a new dress.”
In context“The engineer used a digital pattern to ensure each component was cut to the exact specifications required for the assembly.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to copy or base something on another thing.
v.to design or model something according to a specific example or system.
Simple“The new school was patterned after a famous university in Europe.”
In context“The curriculum is patterned on a traditional liberal arts model, emphasizing critical thinking over rote memorization.”
Usageoften used with the preposition 'after' or 'on'
- 05 C1 Advanced
v.to organize or arrange something, often used in London slang.
v.to arrange, organize, or resolve a situation. Common in Multicultural London English.
Simple“Don't worry about the tickets; I'll get it patterned for us.”
In context“He managed to get the whole situation patterned before the manager arrived, so there was no further conflict.”
Usage patterns observed · pattern emerged · pattern appeared
From earlier patten, paterne, from Middle English patron (“patron; example”), from Old French patron, from Medieval Latin patrōnus (“patron”). Doublet of padrone, patron, Patronus, and patroon.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.