How to pronounce pattern
Say it like PAT-ern. Pattern has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pattern. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PAT
- ern
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pattern pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PATSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- ernKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of pattern
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: PAT-un.
What does pattern mean?
- a perceptual structure“the composition presents problems for students of musical form”“a visual pattern must include not only objects but the spaces between them”
- a customary way of operation or behavior“it is their practice to give annual raises”“they changed their dietary pattern”
- a decorative or artistic work“the coach had a design on the doors”
- plan or create according to a model or models
- form a pattern“These sentences pattern like the ones we studied before”
Where does pattern come from?
From earlier patten, paterne, from Middle English patron (“patron; example”), from Old French patron, from Medieval Latin patrōnus (“patron”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying pattern
How do you pronounce pattern?
Say PAT-ern. The American pronunciation is /ˈpætɚn/. In British English it is /ˈpætən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pattern?
Pattern has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAT). Broken into parts: PAT · ern.
Is pattern pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈpætən/ (PAT-un).