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.)

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