2 syllables: pat, terns. Stress on pat.
PAT-urnz
/ˈpætɚnz/
patterns is pronounced PAT-urnz (/ˈpætɚnz/). It has two syllables (pat-terns), with the stress on "pat". Patterns refers to repeated or characteristic arrangements or sequences, especially in data, behavior, or design. It can also describe decorative motifs or recurring features in nature or culture. The term encompasses both predictable regularities and recognizable structures across fields like science, art, and everyday life.
Patterns refers to repeated or characteristic arrangements or sequences, especially in data, behavior, or design. It can also describe decorative motifs or recurring features in nature or culture. The term encompasses both predictable regularities and recognizable structures across fields like science, art, and everyday life.
- Underestimating the schwa: keep /ər/ light rather than a full vowel; otherwise you’ll sound like ‘patternz’ or ‘patterns’ with a hard second syllable. - Final cluster sloppiness: ensure the /nz/ is audible; avoid voicing the /z* as a separate syllable or letting it blend too early with the /n/. - Stress drift: keep primary stress on PAT; in fast speech the second syllable can be reduced, but don’t shift emphasis away from the first syllable.
"The study identified recognizable patterns in the data that helped predict outcomes."
"Ceramic patterns on the vase were inspired by traditional folk motifs."
"The architect incorporated geometric patterns into the facade for visual interest."
You pronounce it as /ˈpætərnz/ in most dialects. The first syllable carries primary stress. The vowel is the short æ as in 'cat', the second syllable uses a schwa /ə/ in many speakers, and the final consonant cluster is a voiced nasal + z /nz/. For clarity: PAT-erns with a light, quick second syllable. Listen to /ˈpætərnz/ spoken clearly for accuracy.
Common errors: (1) Over-pronouncing the second syllable by using a full vowel instead of a reduced schwa, e.g., /ˈpætərˈz/, (2) Dropping the final /n/ or turning the /nz/ into /n/ in rapid speech, and (3) misplacing stress as PAT-ernz with stress on the second syllable. Correction tips: keep primary stress on the first syllable /ˈpæt/, use a relaxed /ər/ for the second syllable, and end with a clear /nz/; practice with slow, then normal speed, emphasizing /nz/ at the end.
In US English, you’ll hear /ˈpætərnz/ with a rhotic, clear /r/ in the second syllable and a pronounced /z/ at the end. UK English often features a more centralized /ə/ in the second syllable and a lighter, sometimes less rhotic ending, closer to /ˈpætənz/. Australian English tends toward a broader vowel in the first syllable /ˈpætənz/ with a more clipped /nz/ depending on speaker. The key is the /æ/ in PAT, the reduced /ə/ or /ə/ in TER, and the /nz/ ending which can blend in some quick speech.
The difficulty comes from the unstressed schwa in the middle and the final consonant cluster /nz/. Many learners lengthen the /ə/ into a full vowel like /əː/ or mispronounce the /n/ as a separate syllable. Also, rapid speech often connects /ərn/ into /ərnz/ with a subtle nasal release. Focus on keeping a quick, light /ə/ and a crisp final /nz/ while not letting the prior syllable become tense.
Pay attention to the transition between the second syllable and the final /nz/. Start with /ˈpæt/ in the first syllable, then lightly vocalize /ər/ as a quick, unstressed schwa, and finally release /nz/ with a clear nasal. Visualize your mouth closing slightly after the /r/ and before the /n/. Practice with a mirror to ensure the jaw stays relaxed and the tongue stays low-mid for the /æ/ in PAT. IPA reference: /ˈpætərnz/.
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- US: clear rhotic /r/ between /t/ and /ər/; keep /æ/ stable, the /ər/ relaxed, and the /nz/ crisp. - UK: slightly shorter /æ/ and a more centralized /ə/; less pronounced rhoticity, final /nz/ may sound softer. - AU: broader /æ/ in PAT; median /ə/ in the middle; final /nz/ with a more pronounced nasal release in casual speech. IPA: US /ˈpætərnz/, UK /ˈpætənz/, AU /ˈpætənz/.
Pattern comes from Old French patron (a model, example, pattern, standard) from Latin patō, patrum ‘father, ancestor’ (in the sense of a model or example to imitate). The modern sense of a repeated decorative design emerged in English by the 16th century, influenced by textile and architecture usage. The word evolved to cover not just decorative repeats but any recognizable form, sequence, or habit that can be observed and predicted. By the 19th and 20th centuries, scientific fields adopted pattern to describe regularities in data, weather, genetics, and behavior. The plural form patterns broadened to include multiple recurring structures, underscoring both aesthetic motifs and systematic regularities in complex phenomena. In usage, pattern often collocates with data, behavior, design, and recognition of order in chaos.
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Help others use "patterns" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "patterns" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "patterns" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "patterns"
-ngs sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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