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REFERENCE

pat

v. · n. · adj. · adv.
US //ˈpæt// UK //pˈæt// pat
  1. 1 to tap gently (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to touch someone or something lightly with the flat part of your hand.

    to strike or tap lightly with the palm of the hand or another flat surface, often as a gesture of affection or encouragement.

    Example

    He reached out to pat the dog on the head as he walked past.

    Example

    The coach would often pat his players on the shoulder to offer silent encouragement during particularly grueling training sessions.
  2. 2 to flatten (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to hit something lightly many times to make it smooth or flat.

    to apply light, repeated pressure with a flat object or the hand to shape or smooth a substance.

    Example

    She used a spoon to pat the soil down around the new plant.

    Example

    After pouring the concrete, the workers used flat boards to pat the surface until it was perfectly level with the frame.
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  1. 3 a light touch (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the act of touching something lightly with your hand.

    a light, rhythmic stroke or tap made with the palm or fingers.

    Example

    She gave the child a reassuring pat on the back.

    Example

    A gentle pat on the arm was enough to get his attention without interrupting the ongoing conversation.
  2. 4 a small piece of food (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Cooking

    a small, flat piece of something soft, like butter.

    a small, shaped mass of a soft substance, typically butter or margarine.

    Example

    The waiter placed a small pat of butter next to the warm bread.

    Example

    The recipe calls for a single pat of chilled butter to be stirred into the sauce at the very end for a glossy finish.
  3. 5 too simple or quick (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    an answer or explanation that is too simple and does not seem honest or deep.

    describing an answer or remark that is suspiciously clever, quick, or simplistic, often lacking genuine depth.

    Example

    His explanation for the mistake was a bit too pat for me to believe.

    Example

    The politician provided a pat response to the journalist's inquiry, neatly avoiding the underlying economic complexities of the crisis.
  4. 6 perfectly or exactly (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    knowing something perfectly or having it ready at the right time.

    in a way that is perfectly memorised or exactly suited to the occasion; often used in the phrase 'to have something down pat'.

    Example

    She had her presentation down pat and didn't even need her notes.

    Example

    By the third week of rehearsals, the lead actor had his lines down pat, allowing him to focus entirely on his physical performance.
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