Pattern Meaning
/ˈpæ̞t(ə)n/Definition, CEFR level A2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounModel, example.
nounModel, example., Something from which a copy is made; a model or outline.
Sentence Examples
We've gotten into this fixed pattern.
Yet today only about 15 percent of American families follow this pattern.
The colors of the pattern are very ordinary.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The designer created a repeating ____ on the wallpaper to give it a uniform look.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The designer created a repeating floral ____ that was used across the entire fabric collection.
Word Origin & History
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.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"There is no reason why all colleges and universities should be cut to the same pattern."
— 1923 June 18, ‘President Wilson’, Time:
"Well! the King of France died pardoning & pitying all those who had tortured his Soul & Body, a great Pattern for us all."
— 1793 March 19, Hester Piozzi, Thraliana:
"I write this to repeat most earnestly for myself all that she said to you and to let you know how sure I am that you will sooner or later find our cousin John a pattern of truth, sincerity, and goodness, when you will deeply, deeply grieve to have done him (without intending it) so much wrong."
— 1852 March – 1853 September, Charles Dickens, Bleak House, London: Bradbury and Evans, […], published 1853, →OCLC:
"The Platonic Socrates was a pattern to subsequent philosophers for many ages."
— 1946, Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, I.16:
"From this point those who became pupils went on to a further series of shops, usually commencing with the pattern shop. […] However, some of us did make quite reasonable patterns and had the satisfaction of seeing castings produced from them but, sad to say, many of these efforts were used as firewood after they had left the shop."
— 1944 November and December, A Former Pupil, “Some Memories of Crewe Works—II”, in Railway Magazine, page 341:
Explore More A2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The designer created a repeating ____ on the wallpaper to give it a uniform look.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The designer created a repeating floral ____ that was used across the entire fabric collection.