pats
v. A2 Elementary US //ˈpæts// UK //pˈæts// pats
v. to touch someone or something gently with the flat part of your hand. You often do this to show love or to praise a pet.
v. to tap someone or something lightly with the palm of the hand or flat of the fingers. Often used to express affection, comfort, or encouragement.
She pats the dog on the head.
The coach pats the player on the back to congratulate him after the game.
He absentmindedly pats his pockets to ensure his keys are still there before locking the front door and heading to work.
Usage
The verb is transitive and typically takes a direct object representing the person or animal being touched.
Pitfall
He pats on the dogHe pats the dogThe verb is transitive and does not require a preposition before the object.