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pattern

Definition

A pattern is a repeated arrangement of shapes, colours, or objects. Patterns can be found in nature, in art, and in everyday objects.

Some examples of patterns in nature include the stripes on a zebra, the petals on a flower, and the rings on a tree. Some examples of patterns in art include the stripes on a zebra painting, the petals on a flower painting, and the rings on a tree painting. Some examples of patterns in everyday objects include the tiles on a floor, the buttons on a shirt, and the letters on a page.

Patterns can be used to create order and beauty. They can also be used to communicate information. For example, the stripes on a zebra help it to camouflage itself in the grass. The petals on a flower attract pollinators. The rings on a tree tell us how old the tree is.

How can the word be used?

The wallpaper was decorated with a floral pattern.

pattern

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • pattern (a repeated or regular arrangement of shapes, colours, or other elements).
  • patterned (having a pattern).
  • patterning (the act of creating a pattern).

Verb:

  • to make or form a pattern.
  • to arrange something in a pattern.

Etymology

The word "pattern" is derived from the Old French word "patron", which means "model, example". The first recorded use of the word "pattern" in English was in the 14th century.

Question

What patterns can you see around you?