patterned

Meanings

1. 1adjectivenot comparable

   Having a repeated design or decoration on the surface.

   Grammar: Used before a noun: a patterned shirt. It is not usually used after a verb like 'be'.

   Patterns

   • patterned with something
   • a patterned fabric

   She wore a brightly patterned dress to the party.

   The wallpaper was patterned with small blue flowers.

   He chose a patterned tie to go with his plain suit.

2. 2adjectivenot comparable

   Arranged or happening in a regular, repeated way.

   Grammar: Often used before a noun: patterned behavior. Can also be used after a linking verb: The results are patterned.

   Patterns

   • patterned behavior
   • patterned after something

   The birds' patterned migration is studied by scientists.

   Her patterned response to stress is to withdraw.

   The data showed a patterned increase every spring.

Common combinations

patterned fabric

The sofa was covered in a heavy patterned fabric.

patterned wallpaper

They hung patterned wallpaper in the hallway.

patterned behavior

The psychologist noted the child's patterned behavior.

patterned after

The new program is patterned after a successful model in another city.

Synonyms and how they differ

decorated

Broader; can mean any decoration, not just a repeated design.

printed

Specifically refers to designs applied by printing, common for fabrics.

regular

Focuses on even spacing or timing, not visual design.

Opposites

Word family

pattern noun

A repeated design or a regular way something happens.

pattern verb

To make something follow a particular design or model.

patterning noun

The act of making a pattern or the pattern itself.

Commonly confused: patterned or patented?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “patterned”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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