A pattern is the repeated or regular way in which something happens or is done.
All three attacks followed the same pattern.
A change in the pattern of his breathing became apparent. [+ of]
Synonyms: order, plan, system, method More Synonyms of pattern
2. countable noun
A pattern is an arrangement of lines or shapes, especially a design in which the same shape is repeated at regular intervals over a surface.
...a golden robe embroidered with red and purple thread stitched into a pattern offlames. [+ of]
3. countable noun
A pattern is a diagram or shape that you can use as a guide when you are making something suchas a model or a piece of clothing.
...cutting out a pattern for trousers. [+ for]
Send for our free patterns to knit yourself.
...sewing patterns.
More Synonyms of pattern
pattern in British English1
(ˈpætən)
noun
1.
an arrangement of repeated or corresponding parts, decorative motifs, etc
although the notes seemed random, a careful listener could detect a pattern
2.
a decorative design
a paisley pattern
3.
a style
various patterns of cutlery
4.
a plan or diagram used as a guide in making something
a paper pattern for a dress
5.
a standard way of moving, acting, etc
traffic patterns
6.
a model worthy of imitation
a pattern of kindness
7.
a representative sample
8.
a wooden or metal shape or model used in a foundry to make a mould
9.
a.
the arrangement of marks made in a target by bullets
b.
a diagram displaying such an arrangement
verb(transitive)
10. (often foll byafter or on)
to model
11.
to arrange as or decorate with a pattern
Word origin
C14 patron, from Medieval Latin patrōnus example, from Latin: patron1
pattern in British English2
or patron (ˈpætərn)
noun
Irish
an outdoor assembly with religious practices, traders' stalls, etc on the feast day of a patron saint
Word origin
C18: variant of patron1; see pattern1
pattern in American English
(ˈpætərn)
noun
1.
a person or thing considered worthy of imitation or copying
2.
a model or plan used as a guide in making things; set of forms to the shape of whichmaterial is cut for assembly into the finished article
a dress pattern
3.
the full-scale model used in making a sand mold for casting metal
4.
something representing a class or type; example; sample
5.
an arrangement of form; disposition of parts or elements; design
wallpaper patterns, the pattern of a novel
6.
a regular, mainly unvarying way of acting or doing
behavior patterns
7.
a predictable or prescribed route, movement, etc.
traffic pattern, landing pattern
8.
a.
grouping or distribution, as of a number of bullets fired at a mark
b.
something, as a diagram, showing such distribution
9. US, Rare
sufficient material for making a garment
verb transitive
10.
to make, do, shape, or plan in imitation of a model or pattern
with on, upon, or after
11.
to supply with a pattern or design; mark or decorate with a pattern
SIMILAR WORDS: ˈmodel
Word origin
ME patron < OFr patrun, patron, hence something to be imitated, pattern: see patron
COBUILD Collocations
pattern
betting patterns
intricate pattern
repeat a pattern
shifting pattern
sleep pattern
speech pattern
thought pattern
weather patterns
Examples of 'pattern' in a sentence
pattern
They are always of different patterns and colours.
The Sun (2017)
This sets the pattern for the rest of the class.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This is a regular pattern to their lives.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
And the fraud pattern might be something entirely new.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
The work is grounded in the daily domestic behaviour patterns of two people who know each other well.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
But Dove is also adept at identifying birds by the patterns and shapes of their feathers.
Smithsonian Mag (2017)
A worrying pattern has also emerged of suspect teachers moving abroad.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Have a regular pattern of sleeping and don't be tempted to lie in to catch up at the weekend.
The Sun (2016)
Once there is an alert, the TIU assesses whether there could be any other factors to explain unusual betting patterns.
The Sun (2016)
The patterns that emerge can become adored as beautiful objects.
Michael Boulter EXTINCTION: Evolution and the End of Man (2002)
You can also make a host of characters with different colours and patterns.
The Sun (2014)
Continue until a normal breathing pattern is restored.
The Sun (2007)
This set the future pattern for his career.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
One official explained how investigators identify dodgy results by strange betting patterns.
The Sun (2008)
That was to become a regular pattern.
The Sun (2009)
The third race followed a similar pattern.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We seem to be getting into our shape and patterns better.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Natural selection would favour these new patterns of superhuman behaviour and we would survive.
Michael Boulter EXTINCTION: Evolution and the End of Man (2002)
The problem is that our evolutionary instincts sometimes mislead us into detecting patterns where none exists.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Their pattern of sleep would often be so disturbed that normal activities next day would become impossible.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
This thought process follows something of a pattern.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
You will need to change the pattern of your days and find an activity to replace dope.
The Sun (2015)
Look wider and the same pattern emerges.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This is not to deny that profound differences exist between personality patterns in different cultures.
Harris, Marvin Cultural Anthropology (1995)
The process of setting clear patterns and viewing yourself as a project is critical in maintaining focus.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Similar patterns have been observed in marriage records all over the world.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
So will the specifics of working on team shape and pattern of play for that game.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Keeping a record like this will also allow you to see a pattern of behaviour and know where the trouble lies.
The Sun (2007)
Centre any pattern or fabric design.
Churchill, Jane (ed.) Collins Complete Books of Soft Furnishings (1993)
Workout tip Focus on controlling breathing patterns.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
From cotton spinning to pattern cutting, the skills are there to make in Britain.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
In other languages
pattern
British English: pattern /ˈpætn/ NOUN
plan A pattern is a particular way in which something is usually or repeatedly done.
His sleeping pattern was bad.
American English: pattern
Arabic: نَـمَطٌ
Brazilian Portuguese: padrão
Chinese: 式样
Croatian: uzorak
Czech: vzorek
Danish: mønster
Dutch: patroon
European Spanish: patrón costura
Finnish: kuvio
French: motif
German: Muster
Greek: μοτίβο
Italian: modello
Japanese: 模様
Korean: 무늬
Norwegian: mønster
Polish: wzór
European Portuguese: modelo
Romanian: șablon
Russian: схема
Latin American Spanish: patrón modelo
Swedish: mönster
Thai: แบบ
Turkish: kalıp dikiş
Ukrainian: схема
Vietnamese: mẫu hình
British English: pattern NOUN
design A pattern is an arrangement of lines or shapes, especially a design in which the same shape is repeated at regular intervals over a surface.
...a golden robe embroidered with red and purple thread stitched into a pattern of flames.
American English: pattern
Brazilian Portuguese: padrão
Chinese: 模式
European Spanish: patrón
French: motif
German: Muster
Italian: motivo
Japanese: パターン
Korean: 양식
European Portuguese: padrão
Latin American Spanish: patrón
All related terms of 'pattern'
flow pattern
The flow pattern is the way in which fluids move through a reactor .
moiré pattern
having a watered or wavelike pattern
pattern book
a book containing plans or diagrams used as a guide in making (esp sewing ) something
pattern maker
someone who creates plans or diagrams used as a guide in making something
sleep pattern
A pattern is the repeated or regular way in which something happens or is done.
test pattern
a standard pattern of lines, colors , etc. broadcast by a TV station , used to evaluate or adjust individual TV receivers for image quality
tread pattern
the pattern of grooves on a rubber tyre
antenna pattern
the graphic representation of the strength and direction of electromagnetic radiation in the vicinity of a transmitting aerial
fiddle pattern
the style of a spoon or fork with a violin-shaped handle
holding pattern
the oval or circular path of an aircraft flying around an airport awaiting permission to land
sewing pattern
a guide or diagram that you follow to make clothes or other things using a needle and thread
speech pattern
A pattern is the repeated or regular way in which something happens or is done.
stress pattern
the way syllables are stressed in a word, phrase, language, etc
thought pattern
A pattern is the repeated or regular way in which something happens or is done.
traffic pattern
a pattern of permitted lanes in the air around an airport to which an aircraft is restricted
willow pattern
a pattern incorporating a willow tree, river, bridge , and figures, typically in blue on a white ground, used on pottery and porcelain
behavior pattern
a recurrent way of acting by an individual or group toward a given object or in a given situation
intonation pattern
a characteristic series of musical pitch levels that serves to distinguish between questions , statements , and other types of utterance in a language
intricate pattern
A pattern is an arrangement of lines or shapes, especially a design in which the same shape is repeated at regular intervals over a surface.
knitting pattern
a pattern that tells you how to knit a garment or another object
pattern practice
a technique for practicing a linguistic structure in which students repeat a sentence or other structure, each time substituting a new element, such as a new verb , as directed by the teacher , or transforming the original structure, as in changing a statement to a question
radiation pattern
the graphic representation of the strength and direction of electromagnetic radiation in the vicinity of a transmitting aerial
shifting pattern
A pattern is an arrangement of lines or shapes, especially a design in which the same shape is repeated at regular intervals over a surface.
thinking pattern
manner of thinking
checkerboard pattern
checked pattern that looks like a draughtboard
diffraction pattern
the distinctive pattern of light and dark fringes , rings , etc, formed by diffraction
herringbone pattern
a pattern used in textiles , brickwork , etc, consisting of two or more rows of short parallel strokes slanting in alternate directions to form a series of parallel Vs or zigzags
interference pattern
a series of alternating dark and bright bands produced as a result of light interference
pattern recognition
the automated identification of shapes or forms or patterns of speech
repeat a pattern
A pattern is the repeated or regular way in which something happens or is done.
area drainage pattern
The area drainage pattern is the way in which streams and rivers allow water to flow from an area.
male-pattern baldness
inherited baldness characterized by the gradual loss of hair from the front or top of the head
linenfold
an ornamental motif resembling folded linen , carved on paneling
patternmaker
a person who makes patterns , as for molds or for various articles to be mass-produced
Chinese translation of 'pattern'
pattern
(ˈpætən)
n(c)
(= design) (on material, carpet) 花样(樣) (huāyàng) (种(種), zhǒng)
[of behaviour, activity]方式 (fāngshì)
(for sewing, knitting) 样(樣)式 (yàngshì) (个(個), gè)
(= model) 模范(範) (mófàn)
patterns of behaviour行为(為)模式 (xíngwéi móshì)
1 (noun)
Definition
a regular recognizable way that something is done
All three attacks followed the same pattern.
Synonyms
order
The wish to impose order upon confusion is a kind of intellectual instinct.
plan
She met her creditors to propose a plan for making repayments.
system
method
They go about their work with method and common sense.
arrangement
an imaginative flower arrangement
sequence
The chronological sequence gives the book an element of structure.
orderliness
2 (noun)
Definition
an arrangement of repeated parts or decorative designs
curtains in a light floral pattern
Synonyms
design
The pictures are based on simple geometric designs.
arrangement
motif
wallpaper with a rose motif
figure
The impulsive singer had the figure cut into his shaven hair.
device
decoration
We were putting the Christmas decorations up.
ornament
Christmas tree ornaments
decorative design
3 (noun)
Definition
a plan or diagram used as a guide to making something
a sewing pattern
Synonyms
plan
Draw a plan of the garden.
design
Is there some design in having him here?
original
Photocopy the form and send the original to your employer.
guide
Our 10-page guide will help you change your life for the better.
instructions
diagram
a diagram showing the workings of the engine
stencil
template
4 (noun)
Definition
a model worthy of imitation
the ideal pattern of a good society
Synonyms
model
the Chinese model of economic reform
example
This piece is a perfect example of symphonic construction.
standard
systems that were by later standards absurdly primitive
original
guide
The checklist serves as a guide to students, teachers, and parents.
par
criterion
Exam results shouldn't be the only criterion for your choice of school.
norm
Their actions departed from what she called the commonly accepted norms of behaviour.
prototype
He has built a prototype of a machine called the wave rotor.
the prototype aircraft
paradigm
He was the paradigm of the self-made man.
archetype
He is the archetype of the successful businessman.
paragon
She was a paragon of neatness and efficiency.
He was not a paragon. He could never be perfect.
exemplar
They viewed their new building as an exemplar of taste.
cynosure
5 (noun)
Definition
a representative sample
a textile pattern
Synonyms
sample
We're giving away 2000 free samples.
example
examples of sexism and racism in society
specimen
a perfect specimen of a dinosaur fossil
6 (noun)
Synonyms
type
There are various types of the disease.
sort
What sort of person is he?
kind
They developed a new kind of film-making.
style
six scenes in the style of a classical Greek tragedy
shape
Carefully cut round the shape of the design you wish to use.
variety
She grows 12 varieties of old-fashioned roses.
1 (verb)
Definition
to model
Synonyms
model
She asked if he had modelled the hero on anyone in particular.
follow
I hope other women will follow my example.
form
The bowl was formed out of clay.
order
style
shape
Like it or not, our families shape our lives.
copy
We all tend to copy people we admire.
coquettish gestures which she had copied from actresses in soap operas
mould
We moulded a statue out of mud.
imitate
a precedent which may be imitated by other activists
emulate
I never tried to emulate my father.
2 (verb)
Synonyms
decorate
He decorated the box with glitter and ribbons.
design
trim
jackets trimmed with crocheted flowers
Additional synonyms
in the sense of archetype
Definition
an original model
He is the archetype of the successful businessman.
Synonyms
prime example,
standard,
model,
original,
pattern,
classic,
ideal,
norm,
form,
prototype,
paradigm,
exemplar
in the sense of arrangement
Definition
the form in which things are arranged
an imaginative flower arrangement
Synonyms
display,
grouping,
system,
order,
ordering,
design,
ranging,
structure,
rank,
organization,
exhibition,
line-up,
presentation,
array,
marshalling,
classification,
disposition (archaic),
alignment,
setup (informal)
in the sense of copy
Definition
to act or try to be like another
We all tend to copy people we admire.coquettish gestures which she had copied from actresses in soap operas
Synonyms
imitate,
act like,
emulate,
behave like,
follow,
repeat,
mirror,
echo,
parrot,
ape,
mimic,
simulate,
follow suit,
follow the example of
Synonyms of 'pattern'
pattern
Explore 'pattern' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of criterion
Definition
a standard by which something can be judged or decided
Exam results shouldn't be the only criterion for your choice of school.
Synonyms
standard,
test,
rule,
measure,
principle,
proof,
par,
norm,
canon,
gauge,
yardstick,
touchstone,
bench mark
in the sense of decoration
Definition
an addition that makes something more attractive or ornate
We were putting the Christmas decorations up.
Synonyms
ornament,
trimmings,
garnish,
frill,
scroll,
spangle,
festoon,
trinket,
bauble,
flounce,
arabesque,
curlicue,
furbelow,
falderal,
cartouch(e)
in the sense of diagram
Definition
a sketch or plan showing the form or workings of something
a diagram showing the workings of the engine
Synonyms
plan,
figure,
drawing,
chart,
outline,
representation,
sketch,
layout,
graph
in the sense of emulate
Definition
to imitate (someone) in an attempt to do as well as or better than him or her
I never tried to emulate my father.
Synonyms
imitate,
follow,
copy,
mirror,
echo,
mimic,
take after,
follow in the footsteps of,
follow the example of,
take a leaf out of someone's book,
model yourself on
in the sense of example
Definition
a person, action, or thing that is worthy of imitation
This piece is a perfect example of symphonic construction.
Synonyms
illustration,
model,
ideal,
standard,
norm,
precedent,
pattern,
prototype,
paradigm,
archetype,
paragon,
exemplar,
xample
in the sense of example
Definition
a specimen that is typical of its group
examples of sexism and racism in society
Synonyms
instance,
specimen,
case,
sample,
illustration,
case in point,
particular case,
particular instance,
typical case,
exemplification,
representative case,
xample
in the sense of exemplar
Definition
a person or thing to be copied
They viewed their new building as an exemplar of taste.
Synonyms
model,
example,
standard,
ideal,
criterion,
paradigm,
epitome,
paragon
in the sense of figure
Definition
a decorative pattern
The impulsive singer had the figure cut into his shaven hair.
Synonyms
design,
shape,
pattern,
device,
motif,
depiction
in the sense of follow
Definition
to accept the ideas or beliefs of
I hope other women will follow my example.
Synonyms
copy,
imitate,
emulate,
mimic,
model,
adopt,
live up to,
take a leaf out of someone's book,
take as an example,
pattern yourself upon
in the sense of form
Definition
to make or construct or be made or constructed
The bowl was formed out of clay.
Synonyms
make,
produce,
model,
fashion,
build,
create,
shape,
manufacture,
stamp,
construct,
assemble,
forge,
mould,
fabricate
Additional synonyms
in the sense of guide
Definition
a book that explains the basics of a subject or skill
Our 10-page guide will help you change your life for the better.
Synonyms
handbook,
manual,
guidebook,
instructions,
catalogue
in the sense of guide
Definition
something that can be used to gauge something or to help in planning one's actions
The checklist serves as a guide to students, teachers, and parents.
Synonyms
model,
example,
standard,
ideal,
master,
inspiration,
criterion,
paradigm,
exemplar,
lodestar
in the sense of imitate
Definition
to copy the manner or style of, or take as a model
a precedent which may be imitated by other activists
Synonyms
copy,
follow,
repeat,
echo,
emulate,
ape,
simulate,
mirror,
follow suit,
duplicate,
counterfeit,
follow in the footsteps of,
take a leaf out of (someone's) book
in the sense of kind
Definition
a class or group having characteristics in common
They developed a new kind of film-making.
Synonyms
class,
sort,
type,
variety,
brand,
grade,
category,
genre,
classification,
league
in the sense of method
Definition
orderliness of thought or action
They go about their work with method and common sense.
Synonyms
orderliness,
planning,
order,
system,
form,
design,
structure,
purpose,
pattern,
organization,
regularity
in the sense of motif
Definition
a single decoration, such as a symbol or name on a piece of clothing
wallpaper with a rose motif
Synonyms
design,
form,
shape,
decoration,
ornament
in the sense of mould
Definition
to shape or form
We moulded a statue out of mud.
Synonyms
shape,
make,
work,
form,
create,
model,
fashion,
cast,
stamp,
construct,
carve,
forge,
sculpt
in the sense of norm
Definition
a standard that is required or regarded as normal
Their actions departed from what she called the commonly accepted norms of behaviour.
Synonyms
standard,
rule,
model,
pattern,
mean,
type,
measure,
average,
par,
criterion,
benchmark,
yardstick
in the sense of original
Definition
the first and genuine form of something, from which others are copied or translated
Photocopy the form and send the original to your employer.
Synonyms
prototype,
master,
pattern
in the sense of ornament
Definition
anything that adorns someone or something
Christmas tree ornaments
Synonyms
decoration,
trimming,
accessory,
garnish,
frill,
festoon,
trinket,
bauble,
flounce,
gewgaw,
knick-knack,
furbelow,
falderal
Additional synonyms
in the sense of par
Definition
the usual or average condition
Synonyms
average,
mean,
level,
standard,
usual,
norm,
median
in the sense of paradigm
Definition
a model or example
He was the paradigm of the self-made man.
Synonyms
model,
example,
original,
pattern,
ideal,
norm,
prototype,
archetype,
exemplar
in the sense of paragon
Definition
a model of perfection
She was a paragon of neatness and efficiency.He was not a paragon. He could never be perfect.
Synonyms
model,
standard,
pattern,
ideal,
criterion,
norm,
jewel,
masterpiece,
prototype,
paradigm,
archetype,
epitome,
exemplar,
apotheosis,
quintessence,
nonesuch (archaic),
nonpareil,
best or greatest thing since sliced bread (informal),
cynosure
in the sense of prototype
Definition
a person or thing that serves as an example of a type
He has built a prototype of a machine called the wave rotor.the prototype aircraft
Synonyms
original,
model,
precedent,
first,
example,
standard,
paradigm,
archetype,
mock-up
in the sense of sequence
Definition
the successive order of two or more things
The chronological sequence gives the book an element of structure.
Synonyms
order,
structure,
arrangement,
ordering,
placement,
layout,
progression
in the sense of shape
Definition
pattern or mould
Carefully cut round the shape of the design you wish to use.
Synonyms
pattern,
model,
frame,
mould
in the sense of shape
Definition
to devise or develop
Like it or not, our families shape our lives.
Synonyms
form,
affect,
influence,
make,
produce,
create,
model,
fashion,
mould
in the sense of sort
Definition
a class, group, or kind sharing certain characteristics or qualities
What sort of person is he?
Synonyms
kind,
type,
class,
make,
group,
family,
order,
race,
style,
quality,
character,
nature,
variety,
brand,
species,
breed,
category,
stamp,
description,
denomination,
genus,
ilk
in the sense of specimen
Definition
an individual or part regarded as typical of its group or class
a perfect specimen of a dinosaur fossil
Synonyms
sample,
example,
individual,
model,
type,
pattern,
instance,
representative,
exemplar,
exemplification
in the sense of standard
Definition
an accepted example of something against which others are judged or measured
systems that were by later standards absurdly primitive
Synonyms
criterion,
measure,
guideline,
example,
model,
average,
guide,
pattern,
sample,
par,
norm,
gauge,
benchmark,
yardstick,
touchstone
Additional synonyms
in the sense of style
Definition
a form of appearance, design, or production
six scenes in the style of a classical Greek tragedy
Synonyms
type,
sort,
kind,
spirit,
pattern,
variety,
appearance,
tone,
strain,
category,
characteristic,
genre,
tenor
in the sense of trim
Definition
to adorn or decorate (something, such as a garment) with lace, ribbons, etc.
jackets trimmed with crocheted flowers
Synonyms
decorate,
dress,
array,
adorn,
embroider,
garnish,
ornament,
embellish,
deck out,
bedeck,
beautify,
trick out,
edge,
border,
pipe,
fringe,
hem
in the sense of variety
Definition
a particular type of something in the same general category