pat
/pæt/
adverb
- In a way that is exactly right or perfectly timed.
- The joke came pat, making everyone laugh.
- He knew the answer pat and didn't hesitate.
- Her reply was delivered pat, without any pause.
noun
- A gentle touch with a flat hand, often used to show affection or approval.
- A friendly pat can make someone feel better.
- The dog enjoyed a pat on the head.
- He gave his son a pat on the shoulder.
- A small, flat piece of something, especially butter or clay.
- The artist shaped a pat of clay for the sculpture.
- She put a pat of butter on her toast.
- Each diner received a pat of butter with their bread.
- A light, tapping sound.
- I heard the soft pat of footsteps behind me.
- The pat of the ball against the wall echoed in the room.
- The only sound was the pat of rain on the roof.
verb
- To touch someone or something gently and repeatedly with a flat hand, often to show affection or comfort.
- He patted his friend on the back after the game.
- She patted the dog on the head.
- The mother patted the baby to help him fall asleep.
- To shape or flatten something by tapping it gently with the hand or a tool.
- She patted the dough into a flat circle.
- He patted the sand into a firm mound.
- The chef patted the burger patty to make it even.
adjective
- Too quick, simple, or perfect, often in a way that seems false or not sincere.
- His answer was too pat, as if he had rehearsed it.
- She gave a pat response that didn't really address the problem.
- The ending of the movie felt pat and unrealistic.