Pattern — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈpa-tərn/ pat·tern

Meaning & Definition of Pattern

Pattern (noun)

  1. a form or model proposed for imitation, exemplar
  2. something designed or used as a model for making things
  3. an artistic, musical, literary, or mechanical design or form

Pattern (verb)

  1. match
  2. imitate
  3. to make, adapt, or fashion according to a pattern

Pattern (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric)

    "a coverlet with a nosegay of tiny pink roses as the pattern"

    similar: design, figure, motif, motive
    related: scheme, device, adornment, caparison, decoration, embellishment, frill, garnish, ornament, trim

  2. a usual manner of behaving or doing

    "her daily pattern begins with coffee and a bagel every morning for breakfast"

    similar: custom, fashion, habit, habitude, practice, ritual, second nature, trick, way, wont
    related: addiction, disposition, bent, inclination, proclivity, set, tendency, tenor, turn, bag, convention, form, mode, style, usage, use, deportment, manners, mores, drill, groove, jog trot, regime, regimen, rote, routine, rut, affectation, airs, pose, attribute, characteristic, mark, trait, eccentricity, kink, oddity, peculiarity, quirk, singularity, tic

  3. an established and often automatic or monotonous series of actions followed when engaging in some activity

    "with her, everything must be done strictly according to pattern"

    similar: drill, grind, groove, lockstep, rote, routine, rut, treadmill
    related: daily dozen, regimen, housekeeping, custom, fashion, habit, practice, trick, wont, approach, manner, method, procedure, strategy, style, tack, technique, way, design, plan, program, scheme, convention, policy, tradition

  4. the way in which the elements of something (as a work of art) are arranged

    "many of the artist's paintings use the same pattern of a lone figure surrounded by a vast landscape"

    similar: arrangement, composition, configuration, constellation, design, form, format, getup, layout, makeup, ordonnance
    related: motif, theme

Pattern (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in match, model

    similar: customize, gear, match, model, acclimate, acclimatize, accommodate, adapt, adjust, condition, conform, doctor, edit, fashion, fit, put, shape, suit, tailor, readapt, readjust, attune, correct, harmonize, square, tune, establish, root, settle, acquaint, familiarize, orient, orientate, equip, prepare, prime, rehearse, harden, inure, season, toughen, alter, convert, make over, modify, recast, reclaim, recycle, redesign, redevelop, redo, reengineer, refashion, refigure, refit, refocus, reinvent, rejigger, remake, remodel, revamp, revise, rework, transform
    opposite: misadjust

  2. as in stripe, speckle

    similar: checker, dapple, daub, fleck, marble, mottle, polychrome, speck, speckle, streak, striate, stripe, variegate, darken, embrown, tone (down), brighten, lighten, bepaint (archaic), color, dye, paint, pigment, stain, tincture, tinge, tint
    opposite: decolorize, blanch, bleach, whiten

Related Entry: Holding pattern (noun)

Holding pattern is a different word from Pattern. The synonyms below are for holding pattern, not for pattern.

  1. a state of temporary inactivity

    "repair work on the bridge was in a holding pattern for the duration of the winter"

    similar: abeyance, cold storage, deep freeze, doldrums, dormancy, latency, moratorium, quiescence, suspended animation, suspense, suspension
    related: inaction, inertia, inertness, motionlessness, impasse, standstill, coma, hibernation, hypnosis, repose, rest, sleep, slumber, torpor, recess, recession, remission, downtime, idleness, layoff
    opposite: continuance, continuation
    near: recommencement, renewal, resumption, resuscitation

  2. an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business

    "the couple has been trapped in this holding pattern for six months, as adoption officials create more red tape"

    similar: delay, detainment, detention, holdback, holdup, wait
    related: deferment, deferral, postponement, reprieve, respite, foot-dragging, hesitation, lag, pause, setback, slowdown
    near: haste, rush, dispatch, promptitude, promptness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Pattern

The most common words with a similar meaning to Pattern:

Archaic: bepaint
design, figure, motif, motive, custom, fashion, habit, habitude, practice, ritual, second nature, trick, way, wont, drill, grind, groove, lockstep, rote, routine, rut, treadmill, arrangement, composition, configuration, constellation, form, format, getup, layout, makeup, ordonnance, customize, gear, match, model, acclimate, acclimatize, accommodate, adapt

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Pattern

Words with the opposite meaning of Pattern:

misadjust, decolorize, blanch, bleach, whiten

Related Words for Pattern

scheme, device, adornment, caparison, decoration, embellishment, frill, garnish, ornament, trim, addiction, disposition, bent, inclination, proclivity, set, tendency, tenor, turn, bag, convention, mode, style, usage, use, deportment, manners, mores, jog trot, regime

Word Forms of Pattern

Inflections: patterned, patterning, patterns

Derived words: patterned (adjective), patternless (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Pattern

Middle English patron, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin patronus

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Pattern

Words & Phrases Containing Pattern

pattern oneself after, pattern oneself on, pattern (something) on, holding pattern, male-pattern baldness, test pattern, dress pattern, fit the pattern of

Frequently Asked Questions about Pattern

What does "Pattern" mean?

"Pattern" means a form or model proposed for imitation, exemplar. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a form or model proposed for imitation, exemplar. It has 6 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Pattern"?

Other words for "Pattern" include design, figure, motif, motive, custom, fashion, habit and habitude. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Pattern" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Pattern"?

There are 181 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Pattern". Common alternatives include design, figure, motif, motive, custom, fashion, habit, habitude, practice and ritual.

What is the opposite of "Pattern"?

Antonyms of "Pattern" include misadjust, decolorize, blanch, bleach and whiten.

How do you use "Pattern" in a sentence?

Examples of "Pattern" in a sentence: "a coverlet with a nosegay of tiny pink roses as the pattern"; "her daily pattern begins with coffee and a bagel every morning for breakfast"; "with her, everything must be done strictly according to pattern".

Is "Pattern" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Pattern" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Pattern" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Pattern" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Pattern"?

"Pattern" is pronounced /ˈpa-tərn/ and divided into syllables as pat·tern.