Pat: meaning, definitions and examples

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pat

[pæt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

medical

A quick and somewhat light slap with the open hand, often to the face.

Synonyms

slap, stroke, tap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pat	Best for gentle, affectionate physical gestures, often used to comfort someone or to show appreciation. She gave her dog a pat on the head He patted his colleague on the back after a job well done
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. He tapped her on the shoulder to get her attention She tapped the screen to select the app
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. He slapped the table in frustration She felt like he slapped her with his harsh words
stroke	Used to describe a slow, gentle, and continuous movement, often to show affection or to soothe. She stroked the cat's fur lovingly He stroked her hair gently as she fell asleep

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.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

informal

To tap gently with the open hand or something flat.

Synonyms

caress, stroke, tap.

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. She gave her dog a pat on the head The coach patted the player on the back for a job well done
tap	Used for light, quick touches, often to get someone's attention or to make a rhythmic sound. She tapped the table to get everyone's attention He tapped his foot to the beat of the music
stroke	Used to touch someone or something gently and repeatedly, often for a soothing or calming effect. He stroked his beard while he thought She stroked the cat as it purred contentedly
caress	Used when touching someone gently and with love, often to show affection. It is typically more intimate than a pat. He caressed her cheek softly She caressed the cat's fur, making it purr

Examples of usage

She patted the dog on the head as a sign of affection.
He patted his pockets, searching for his keys.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "pat" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tapinha

🇮🇳 थपथपाना

🇩🇪 Klaps

🇮🇩 tepukan

🇺🇦 поплескування

🇵🇱 klepnięcie

🇯🇵 軽く叩く

🇫🇷 tapoter

🇪🇸 palmada

🇹🇷 şaplak

🇰🇷 가볍게 치기

🇸🇦 ربتة

🇨🇿 poplácání

🇸🇰 poplácanie

🇨🇳 拍

🇸🇮 ploskanje

🇮🇸 klapp

🇰🇿 шапалақтау

🇬🇪 პატა

🇦🇿 şaplak

🇲🇽 palmada

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
...