Petted: meaning, definitions and examples

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petted

 

[ ˈpɛtɪd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

animal care

The term 'petted' refers to the action of stroking or fondling an animal affectionately. This action usually conveys a sense of comfort and affection between humans and animals. Petting can also serve as a method of communication and bonding, often producing a calming effect on both parties. It's a common behavior seen in pet ownership, animal therapy, and interactions with wildlife.

Synonyms

caressed, fondled, stroked, touched

Examples of usage

  • She gently petted the dog on its head.
  • He petted his cat while watching TV.
  • The child loved to be petted by her grandparents.
  • They spent the afternoon petted their rabbits.

Translations

Translations of the word "petted" in other languages:

🇵🇹 acariciado

🇮🇳 प्यारा

🇩🇪 gestreichelt

🇮🇩 dibelai

🇺🇦 погладжений

🇵🇱 pogłaskany

🇯🇵 撫でられた

🇫🇷 caressé

🇪🇸 acariciado

🇹🇷 okşanmış

🇰🇷 쓰다듬어진

🇸🇦 مدلل

🇨🇿 hlazený

🇸🇰 pohladkaný

🇨🇳 被抚摸的

🇸🇮 pobožan

🇮🇸 klappaður

🇰🇿 сүйіншілеген

🇬🇪 ჩალურჭული

🇦🇿 sıxılmış

🇲🇽 acariciado

Word origin

The word 'pet' derives from the Middle English word 'pet', which likely came from the Old French word 'petit', meaning 'small' or 'little'. This term originally described a small animal kept for companionship. Over time, the verb form 'to pet' emerged in the late 19th century, reflecting the action of stroking or patting an animal. The evolution of the word reflects a growing cultural emphasis on the emotional connections formed between humans and domesticated animals. The natural bond and interaction between pet owners and their animals became increasingly recognized, leading to the common usage of the term 'petted' in both everyday language and in the context of animal care. Today, petting is widely recognized not just as a means of care but also as a therapeutic practice, benefiting both the pet and the person involved.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,202, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.