patterning: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal/Academic/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “patterning” mean?
The arrangement, formation, or design of a repeated or regular decorative or structural pattern.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The arrangement, formation, or design of a repeated or regular decorative or structural pattern.
The process of establishing or following a consistent behavioral, cognitive, or developmental model, often through repetition or influence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Slight preference for 'patterning' in UK English in textile/design contexts; more common in US English in psychology/developmental contexts.
Connotations
Neutral to positive in design; can be neutral or carry connotations of influence/conditioning in behavioral contexts.
Frequency
More frequent in technical, academic, and design fields than in everyday conversation in both variants.
Grammar
How to Use “patterning” in a Sentence
N + of + N (patterning of behaviour)Adj + N (complex patterning)V + N (exhibit patterning)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “patterning” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The software can pattern the data in multiple ways.
- The birds' migration routes are patterned by ancient instincts.
American English
- The curriculum is patterned after the Finnish model.
- We need to pattern our response on successful case studies.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in marketing discussing 'customer behavior patterning'.
Academic
Common in psychology ('behavioral patterning'), biology ('cell patterning'), linguistics ('sound patterning'), and design.
Everyday
Uncommon. Might be used discussing fabrics, tiles, or wallpaper.
Technical
Very common in neuroscience, developmental biology, textile design, and acoustics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “patterning”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “patterning”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “patterning”
- Confusing 'patterning' (noun) with 'pattering' (verb/gerund of 'to patter' as in light rain).
- Using it as a verb (correct verb is 'to pattern').
- Misspelling as 'patterening'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A 'pattern' is a repeated decorative design or a regular sequence. 'Patterning' is the process of forming such patterns or the resulting arrangement itself.
No, 'patterning' is primarily a noun. The verb is 'to pattern' (e.g., 'The system is patterned on a older model').
It is frequent in technical and academic fields such as developmental biology, neuroscience, psychology (behavioral patterning), linguistics, and textile/industrial design.
'Patterning' relates to patterns. 'Pattering' is the sound of light, quick steps or taps (e.g., the pattering of rain). They are homophones but have completely different meanings.
The arrangement, formation, or design of a repeated or regular decorative or structural pattern.
Patterning is usually formal/academic/scientific in register.
Patterning: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpætənɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpætərnɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific noun form]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PATTERN being INGrained into something – patterning is the process or result of that.
Conceptual Metaphor
PATTERNS ARE MODELS (for behavior), PATTERNS ARE DESIGNS (for decoration), PATTERNS ARE TEMPLATES (for growth).
Practice
Quiz
In a developmental psychology context, 'patterning' most likely refers to: