pat — to touch someone or something gently with the flat part of the hand
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to touch someone or something gently with the flat part of the hand
Pronunciation (IPA): /pæt/
Example Sentences
- The chef patted the hamburger into a perfect circle, then realized he forgot to wash his hands after using the bathroom.
- Mom patted my back when I was sick.
- He gave himself a pat on the back for remembering his wife's birthday, then forgot their anniversary the next week.
pat
VERB[/pæt/]
to touch someone or something gently with the flat part of the hand
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Pat originates from Middle English as an onomatopoeia representing the sound of a light tap or gentle blow. The word developed from imitative origins, directly evoking the acoustic sensation of a soft striking sound.
Breakdown
pat: An onomatopoeic root meaning 'light tapping sound', which evolved to denote both the sound itself and the action of gentle striking or stroking.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The chef patted the hamburger into a perfect circle, then realized he forgot to wash his hands after using the bathroom.”
“Mom patted my back when I was sick.”
“He gave himself a pat on the back for remembering his wife's birthday, then forgot their anniversary the next week.”
“Pat the meat dry before cooking.”
📚Related Words
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