What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
quincunx
Example
The garden was designed with a quincunx pattern of trees. [quincunx: noun]
Example
The tiles on the floor were arranged in a quincunx pattern. [quincunx: adjective]
pattern
Example
The dress had a floral pattern on it. [pattern: noun]
Example
The team noticed a pattern in their opponent's strategy. [pattern: noun]
Example
She used a pattern to sew the dress. [pattern: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pattern is a more commonly used term than quincunx in everyday language. Pattern is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while quincunx is a more specialized term used mainly in horticulture and architecture.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between quincunx and pattern?
Both quincunx and pattern can be used in formal and informal contexts, but quincunx may be considered more formal due to its specialized usage in certain fields.