Pat | Mean of pat in English Dictionary

/ˈpæt/

• Verb
• to lightly touch (someone or something) with your hand usually several times in order to show affection or approval or to provide comfort
1. The child gently patted the dog's head.
2. He patted my knee and told me everything would be fine.
3. He patted me on my knee.
• to flatten, smooth, or shape (something) by lightly pressing on it with your hand
1. He patted his hair down.
2. She patted the dough into a square.
• to lightly press (something) several times until it is dry
1. He patted the lettuce dry with a paper towel.

• to move your hands over (someone) in order to search for something (such as a weapon) that may be hidden in clothing
1. The police patted the suspect down at the scene.
• to praise or give credit to (someone) for doing good work
1. They deserve to be patted on the back for the way they've handled this problem.
2. You should pat yourselves on the back for doing such a great job.
• Noun
• an act of lightly touching someone or something with your hand to show affection or approval
1. The teacher smiled and gave the boy a pat on the head. [=the teacher patted the boy on the head]
2. She gave the dog a quick pat.
• a small, flat, usually square piece of something (such as butter)
1. a pat of butter
• a show of praise or approval
1. You all deserve a pat on the back [=you all deserve to be praised] for making this possible.
2. You did a great job, so give yourself a pat on the back.
• learned completely or perfectly
1. (US) She has her lines down pat.
2. (Brit) He had his story off pat.
• to refuse to change your opinion or decision
1. Despite our objections, they are going to stand pat with their decision.
• said or done without any real thought or effort to be truthful or original
1. a pat response
2. The movie's pat ending was a disappointment.
3. His explanation was too pat to be believable.