Pat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
š
pat
[pƦt ]
Definitions
medical
A quick and somewhat light slap with the open hand, often to the face.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pat |
Best for gentle, affectionate physical gestures, often used to comfort someone or to show appreciation.
|
| tap |
Commonly used to describe a light, quick touch or hit, usually with the fingertips. It's often used to get someone's attention or to indicate something gently.
|
| slap |
Often used to describe a quick, forceful hit with the open hand. It has a negative connotation and can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
|
| stroke |
Used to describe a slow, gentle, and continuous movement, often to show affection or to soothe.
|
Examples of usage
- He gave me a pat on the back to congratulate me.
- She received a pat on the head from her teacher for her good behavior.
- The doctor patted the patient on the shoulder to comfort him.
informal
To tap gently with the open hand or something flat.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pat |
Used to show affection or approval by gently touching someone or something with the open hand. Often on the back, shoulder, or head.
|
| tap |
Used for light, quick touches, often to get someone's attention or to make a rhythmic sound.
|
| stroke |
Used to touch someone or something gently and repeatedly, often for a soothing or calming effect.
|
| caress |
Used when touching someone gently and with love, often to show affection. It is typically more intimate than a pat.
|
Examples of usage
- She patted the dog on the head as a sign of affection.
- He patted his pockets, searching for his keys.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Physical touch, like a pat, can boost feelings of trust and safety, making us feel more connected to others.
- Research shows that brief touches, such as a pat on the back, can elevate mood and decrease stress levels.
Pop Culture
- In animation, characters often receive 'pats' as signals of approval or affection, enhancing emotional connections in storytelling.
- Famous films often depict moments where a pat signifies a turning point or moment of support between characters.
Education
- Teachers may use pats on the shoulder as encouragement, helping to reinforce positive behavior in students.
- In child development, physical affection such as pats can promote emotional growth and assure children they are loved.
Origin of 'pat'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Middle English 'patten', meaning to touch lightly, which reflects an affectionate action.
- In Old English, there was a similar word 'paet', which conveyed the idea of a gentle touch.
The word 'pat' originated from Middle English 'patte', of imitative origin. It has been used since the 14th century to describe a light, quick touch or stroke.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranked #11,685, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.
- ...
- 11682 polluted
- 11683 chestnut
- 11684 covert
- 11685 pat
- 11686 dispensing
- 11687 impede
- 11688 generality
- ...