Pat
/pæt/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo touch or stroke gently and repeatedly with the hand, usually to show affection or approval.
/pæt/
To tap or stroke gently with the hand, usually to show affection or approval.
She patted the baby's back to help her burp.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're saying 'good job!' with your hand. Patting someone or something is like giving them a quick, gentle touch to show you like them or to make them feel better. Like when you pat your dog after they sit!
👶 For kids: To touch something gently with your hand, like when you pet a cat or tap your friend on the back.
More Examples
He patted the dog's head affectionately.
The coach patted the player on the shoulder after the successful play.
She patted her pockets, looking for her keys.
How It's Used
"He patted the dog on the head."
"She patted her friend's arm to comfort her."
A light stroke or tap with the hand or a flat object.
/pæt/
A light stroke or tap, especially with the hand.
He gave the dog a friendly pat.
💡 Simply: A pat is just a gentle tap with your hand. Think of it as a friendly touch! Like when someone gives you a pat on the back when you do a good job.
👶 For kids: A soft tap with your hand.
More Examples
She received a pat on the back for her excellent work.
The small child enjoyed the gentle pats on their cheek.
He felt a comforting pat on the shoulder.
How It's Used
"He gave the dog a pat on the head."
"The team received pats on the back for their victory."
A small, flat piece of something, often food.
/pæt/
A small, flat lump of something soft, especially butter.
She added a pat of butter to the toast.
💡 Simply: When you're cooking, a pat is just a little piece, like a pat of butter or a pat of cookie dough!
👶 For kids: A little piece of something, like butter or clay.
More Examples
He used a pat of clay to fix the crack.
The recipe called for a pat of shortening.
She dropped a pat of ointment on the wound.
How It's Used
"She added a pat of butter to the hot pan."
Idioms & expressions
pat on the back
An expression of praise or congratulations.
"The team deserved a pat on the back after winning the championship."
pat down
To search someone by touching their clothes to look for weapons or illegal items.
"The security guard patted down the suspect before allowing him to enter."
a pat hand
A perfect hand in a card game, usually poker.
"He was dealt a pat hand and won the game."
From Middle English patten, likely of imitative origin, related to similar words in other Germanic languages.
The verb 'pat' has been in use since the late 14th century, while the noun form emerged shortly after.
Memory tip
Think of a friendly dog you pat on the head.