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Kids
EN
pat
Definitions
(4)
1
verb
To
lightly
touch
or
tap
someone
or
something
with
a
flat
hand
,
often
as
a
gesture
of
affection
or
approval
.
She
patted
the
dog
gently
on
its
head
.
He
gave
his
friend
a
reassuring
pat
on
the
back
.
The
teacher
patted
the
student's
shoulder
to
encourage
him
.
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2
noun
A
small
,
flat
piece
of
something
,
especially
butter
.
She
added
a
pat
of
butter
to
the
hot
pancakes
.
The
recipe
calls
for
a
pat
of
butter
to
be
melted
in
the
pan
.
He
spread
a
pat
of
butter
on
his
toast
.
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Word games
3
noun
A
sound
made
by
a
light
,
quick
touch
or
tap
.
The
pat
of
raindrops
on
the
window
was
soothing
.
I
heard
the
pat
of
footsteps
behind
me
.
The
pat
of
the
ball
on
the
court
echoed
in
the
gym
.
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Word games
4
verb
To
shape
or
flatten
something
with
a
light
touch
,
often
using
the
hands
.
She
patted
the
dough
into
a
flat
circle
.
He
patted
the
sandcastle
into
shape
.
The
chef
patted
the
meat
into
a
perfect
burger
patty
.
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Word games
Word Origin
Language
Old English
Original word
pattian
Originally meant
to stroke gently
Background
The word 'pat' has been used since the late Middle Ages, originally meaning to stroke gently. It has evolved to include various meanings related to light touches or small, flat objects.