Etymology Map
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Pattern

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a repeated design; a model

Where does the word "pattern" come from? It comes from Latin patronus, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
patronus
Latin · ancient
"protector, model"
from 'pater', father
2
Stage 2 of 3
patron
Old French · medieval
"model, pattern"
a model to be copied, like a patron to be imitated
3
Stage 3 of 3
pattern
English · 1300s
"model"
'pattern' split from 'patron' in the 1500s
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Read the full story

Pattern’s story begins in Latin: patronus meant “protector, model.” From 'pater', father. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as patron. A model to be copied, like a patron to be imitated. It reached English by 1300s as pattern. 'pattern' split from 'patron' in the 1500s. Today, pattern means a repeated design; a model.