Patted: meaning, definitions and examples

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patted

 

[pætɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

gentle touch

Patted is the simple past tense of the verb 'pat'. It refers to the action of touching someone or something gently with the palm of your hand. This action is often used to convey comfort, affection, or reassurance. The motion is usually light and brief, as if to soothe or greet. In some contexts, it may also indicate approval or encouragement.

Synonyms

caressed, tapped, touched.

Examples of usage

  • She patted the dog on its head.
  • He patted her shoulder to comfort her.
  • The teacher patted the student on the back for a job well done.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'pat' comes from the Middle English 'patten,' meaning to strike lightly.
  • Many languages have similar-sounding words for gentle touches, showing how universal the action is.

Psychology

  • Gentle touches, like patting, can release oxytocin, promoting feelings of warmth and connection.
  • Physical touch, such as patting, can soothe anxiety and stress, helping people feel more at ease.

Cultural Practices

  • In various cultures, a pat on the back can signal encouragement and support.
  • In some Asian cultures, touching the head is considered a sign of respect and is sometimes used when patting children.

Literature

  • In children's literature, stories often feature characters who pat animals, reinforcing themes of friendship and care.
  • Poets often use the imagery of a gentle pat to describe affection or comfort, adding emotional depth to their work.

Science

  • Scientific studies have shown that physical affection, such as patting, can positively affect brain chemistry.
  • The act of patting a pet has been shown to lower both the pet's and the owner's heart rates, indicating a calming effect.

Translations

Translations of the word "patted" in other languages:

🇵🇹 acariciado

🇮🇳 स्पर्श किया

🇩🇪 gestreichelt

🇮🇩 mengusap

🇺🇦 погладив

🇵🇱 pogłaskany

🇯🇵 なでられた

🇫🇷 caressé

🇪🇸 acariciado

🇹🇷 okşandı

🇰🇷 쓰다듬었다

🇸🇦 مداعب

🇨🇿 pohladil

🇸🇰 pohladil

🇨🇳 轻拍

🇸🇮 pobožal

🇮🇸 klappað

🇰🇿 сипаттады

🇬🇪 შეხება

🇦🇿 yüngülcə vurdu

🇲🇽 acariciado

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,711, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.