Words / A2

PAT/pæt/

Pat means touch lightly with a flat hand: pat a dog, pat someone on the back, a gentle pat (noun extra). Stroke is usually slower along the fur. Hit is hard and unkind. Pet can be the animal, or a verb (stroke). Do not write pat when you mean pet, path, or pot.

Meaning

To touch someone or something lightly several times with a flat hand.

Examples

• “She patted the dog and it sat down.”
• “He patted his pockets, looking for the keys.”
• “Pat the dough lightly — do not press hard.”

Good to know

pat a dog / pat someone on the back. Slower cousin: stroke. Mix-up: pet, path.

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