pat
Translation
to pat, to tap gently
Examples
He patted the dog on the head.
He patted the dog on the head.
She gave my shoulder a friendly pat.
She gave my shoulder a friendly pat.
Add a pat of butter to the pan.
Add a pat of butter to the pan.
Grammar Patterns
to pat ((sb./sth.)) to touch someone or something gently with a flat hand He patted the dog.
to pat ((sb.)) on the ((body part)) to touch a part of someone's body gently He patted the dog on the head.
a pat of ((sth.)) a small, flat piece of something Add a pat of butter.
Similar Words
Synonyms: tap, stroke, dab
Etymology
Of imitative origin, representing the sound of a light tap.
Memory Tips
The word sounds like the action itself. A 'pat' (noun) is the result of the action 'to pat' (verb).