to strike lightly or gently with something flat, as with a paddle or the palm of the hand, usually in order to flatten, smooth, or shape

to pat dough into flat pastry forms.

to stroke or tap gently with the palm or fingers as an expression of affection, approbation, etc.

to strike (the floor, ground, etc.) with light footsteps.

to strike lightly or gently.

to walk or run with light footsteps.

a light stroke, tap, or blow with the palm, fingers, or a flat object.

the sound of a light stroke or of light footsteps.

a small piece or mass, usually flat and square, formed by patting, cutting, etc.

a pat of butter.

a pat on the back, a word of praise, congratulations

or encouragement

Everyone needs a pat on the back now and then.

pat down, to pat or pass the hands over the body of (a clothed person) to detect concealed weapons, drugs

etc.

pat on the back, to praise, congratulate

or encourage

The boss patted him on the back for the deal he made yesterday.

adjective

imprecise , inexact , irrelevant , unacceptable , unsuitable , wrong

adverb

wrongly

noun

hit , lot

adjective

apposite , apropos , apt , auspicious , felicitous , fitting , happy , neat , opportune , pertinent , propitious , rehearsed , timely , to the point

adverb

aptly , faultlessly , flawlessly , just right , opportunely , perfectly , plumb , precisely , relevantly , seasonably

noun

beat , caress , dab , fondle , form , hit , massage , mold , pet , punch , rub , slap , stroke , tip , whittle , cake , lump , piece , portion

verb

cuddle , fondle , pet