pat
Pat (verb) means to tap gently with the flat of the hand. Example: “She patted the dog on the head.”
How to use pat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsually a gentle tap with the hand, or a small lump of something soft like butter; as an adjective, "too pat" means suspiciously neat or convenient.
Word forms
more pat comparative, more pat comparative, more pat comparative, patted past tense, pats plural, Pats plural, Pats plural, Pats plural, pats singular, most pat superlative, most pat superlative, most pat superlative
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She gave him a reassuring _____ on the shoulder.
Etymology
From Middle English pat, "a blow or stroke," related to Old English plætt, "a sounding smack."
Related words
Rhymes for pat
See all rhymes for pat →Frequently asked questions
What does “pat” mean?
The word “pat” means to tap gently with the flat of the hand. In plain terms, usually a gentle tap with the hand, or a small lump of something soft like butter; as an adjective, "too pat" means suspiciously neat or convenient.
How do you pronounce “pat”?
“Pat” is pronounced pat (/pæt/ in IPA).
How do you use “pat” in a sentence?
Here is “pat” used in a sentence: “She patted the dog on the head.”
What part of speech is “pat”?
Depending on how it is used, “pat” can be a verb, a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “pat” come from?
The word “pat” comes from Old English. From Middle English pat, "a blow or stroke," related to Old English plætt, "a sounding smack.".
Is “pat” a common word?
“Pat” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “pat” have?
“Pat” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to tap gently with the flat of the hand.
What is the difference between "pat" and "tap"?
A pat is made with the flat of the hand or the fingers and is usually a gentle, affectionate gesture, as in patting a dog. A tap can be made with a single finger or an object and is more about making brief contact or getting attention. Both involve light, quick touches.
When should you use "pat" instead of "stroke" with an animal?
Use "pat" for a series of gentle, repeated taps with the flat of the hand. Use "stroke" when you move your hand smoothly and continuously along the animal's fur. Patting is a light tapping motion, while stroking is a sliding one.
What is the difference between "pat dry" and "rub dry"?
To "pat dry" is to press gently with a towel using light, repeated taps, which is gentler on skin, food, or delicate surfaces. To "rub dry" means to move the towel back and forth with friction. "Pat dry" is preferred when you want to avoid damage or spreading.
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