samples and examples

pattern

pattern [verb]

to be designed or made in a way that is copied from something else

/ˈpætən/

Example:

The exam system is patterned after the one used in Japan.

Related quotes:

Patterning your life around other’s opinions is nothing more than slavery.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

pattern

noun

1 the way in which something happens or develops:
Her days all seemed to follow the same pattern.

2 shapes and colours on something:
The curtains had a pattern of flowers and leaves.

3 a thing that you copy when you make something:
I bought some material and a pattern to make a new skirt.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

II. pattern² BrE AmE verb [transitive]
1. be patterned on/after something to be designed or made in a way that is copied from something else:
The exam system is patterned after the one used in Japan.
2. literary to form a pattern on something:
Tiny white flowers patterned the ground like confetti.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

verb
1. ~ sth to form a regular arrangement of lines or shapes on sth
• Frost patterned the window.

• a landscape patterned by vineyards

2. ~ sth (technical) to cause a particular type of behaviour to develop
• Adult behaviour is often patterned by childhood experiences.
Verb forms:

Word Origin:

Middle English patron ‘something serving as a model’, from Old French from Latin patronus ‘protector of clients, defender’, from pater, patr- ‘father’. The change in sense is from the idea of a patron giving an example to be copied. By 1700 patron ceased to be used of things, and the two forms became differentiated in sense.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

pattern

[pæ̱tə(r)n]

patterns
1) N-COUNT: oft the N of n 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.
2) N-COUNT 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.
3) N-COUNT A pattern is a diagram or shape that you can use as a guide when you are making something such as a model or a piece of clothing.
  ...cutting out a pattern for trousers...
  Send for our free patterns to knit yourself.
  ...sewing patterns.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

pattern

²pattern verb -terns; -terned; -tern·ing [+ obj]
1 : to make or design (something) so that it is similar to something else of the same type - usually used as (be) patterned + on or (US) after
• Her garden is patterned on [=modeled on] one she saw on her travels.
• The new program is patterned after an earlier one.
2 : to decorate or mark (something) with a design : to form a pattern on (something)
• Animals tracks patterned the mud.
pattern yourself on or US pattern yourself after : to try to be like and to behave like (someone you admire)
• When he started his own business, he patterned himself after [=modeled himself after] his father. [=he tried to do the things that his father would do]