Patter: meaning, definitions and examples
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patter
[ ˈpætəʳ ]
sound pattern
To patter means to make a light, rapid, and continuous tapping sound. It is often used to describe the noise made by rain hitting the ground or a surface, as well as the sound of small footsteps, like those of a child or an animal. The term conveys a sense of rhythm and repetition, often evoking images of gentle, soothing sounds. Pattering can also describe the movement of small things, such as seeds falling to the ground.
Synonyms
drizzle, pat, pitter-patter, tap
Examples of usage
- The rain began to patter on the roof.
- I heard the soft patter of paws on the hardwood floor.
- Children's feet pattered across the tiled kitchen.
sound
Patter as a noun refers to a series of light, rapid sounds, often resembling a soft tapping or drumming noise. It can describe the sound of rain, the quick steps of feet, or even the noise made by small, moving objects. The term 'patter' invokes a sense of playfulness and spontaneity, making it commonly used in describing children's activities or light-hearted events.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The patter of rain on the window was soothing.
- We could hear the patter of little feet as the children ran around.
- The gentle patter of baby birds chirping filled the air.
Translations
Translations of the word "patter" in other languages:
🇵🇹 padrão
- padrão de comportamento
- padrão de som
🇮🇳 नक़्शा
- पैटर्न
- स्वरूप
🇩🇪 Muster
- Musterverhalten
- Klangmuster
🇮🇩 pola
- pola perilaku
- pola suara
🇺🇦 шаблон
- візерунок
- патерн
🇵🇱 wzór
- wzór zachowania
- wzór dźwięku
🇯🇵 パターン
- 行動パターン
- 音のパターン
🇫🇷 modèle
- modèle de comportement
- motif sonore
🇪🇸 patrón
- patrón de comportamiento
- patrón de sonido
🇹🇷 şablon
- davranış şablonu
- ses şablonu
🇰🇷 패턴
- 행동 패턴
- 소리 패턴
🇸🇦 نمط
- نمط سلوك
- نمط صوت
🇨🇿 vzorek
- vzorek chování
- zvukový vzorek
🇸🇰 vzor
- vzor správania
- zvukový vzor
🇨🇳 模式
- 行为模式
- 声音模式
🇸🇮 vzorec
- vzorec obnašanja
- zvočni vzorec
🇮🇸 mynstur
- hegðunarmynstur
- hljóðmynstur
🇰🇿 үлгі
- мінез-құлық үлгісі
- дыбыс үлгісі
🇬🇪 მოდელი
- ქცევის მოდელი
- ხმოვანი მოდელი
🇦🇿 nümunə
- davranış nümunəsi
- səs nümunəsi
🇲🇽 patrón
- patrón de comportamiento
- patrón de sonido
Word origin
The word 'patter' originates from the early 16th century, and its roots can be traced back to Middle English 'pateren', which means to pat or to fall in a light manner. This word reflects the soft sounds associated with impact or motion. The frequent use of 'patter' in relation to rain suggests an onomatopoeic quality, as it mimics the sound itself. Over time, 'patter' has evolved to encompass various light, rapid sounds, and has enriched English literature as well as everyday language. Its endearing usage in children’s literature and poetry contributes to its whimsical connotation. The evolution of 'patter' highlights the ways in which language can encapsulate sensory experiences, transforming simple sounds into vivid imagery.