What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
patterned
Example
She wore a patterned dress to the party. [patterned: adjective]
Example
The wallpaper in the living room is patterned with flowers. [patterned: verb]
striped
Example
He wore a striped shirt to work today. [striped: adjective]
Example
The zebra is an animal with black and white stripes. [striped: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Striped is more commonly used than patterned in everyday language. Striped is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while patterned is less common and often used in specific contexts such as describing fabric or wallpaper.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between patterned and striped?
While striped can be used in both formal and informal contexts, patterned is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its association with complex or intricate designs.