Pat vs. Pet: What's the Difference?
By Janet White & Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 21, 2024
Pat refers to a light tap or stroke, usually with the hand, as a gesture of affection or approval, while Pet refers to a domesticated animal kept for companionship or pleasure.
Key Differences
Pat is a gentle, often affectionate tap or stroke with the hand. It is commonly used to show approval or comfort, such as patting someone on the back for encouragement or reassurance. Patting can also extend to inanimate objects, like smoothing down a surface or patting a cushion into shape. On the other hand, Pet refers to a domesticated animal kept for companionship and pleasure, such as dogs, cats, birds, or fish. Pets are often considered part of the family and are cared for with affection and responsibility.
A pat can be a brief, spontaneous action, conveying a momentary gesture of warmth or support. In contrast, having a pet involves a long-term commitment to care, including feeding, grooming, and medical attention. Pets require ongoing attention and interaction, providing companionship and emotional support to their owners.
While a pat is typically a one-time action, pets engage in continuous interaction with their owners, often forming deep emotional bonds. Patting can be part of the interaction with pets, as owners often pat their pets to show affection, reinforcing the bond between them.
Patting is generally a human gesture used among people or toward objects, whereas pets involve a broader range of interaction, including play, training, and care routines. The relationship with pets is multifaceted, encompassing emotional, physical, and social aspects.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A light tap or stroke
A domesticated animal for companionship
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Purpose
Gesture of affection or approval
Companion and source of pleasure
Duration
Momentary action
Long-term commitment
Interaction
Brief and spontaneous
Continuous and ongoing
Context
Used among people or objects
Involves care and emotional bonds
Pat and Pet Definitions
Pat
Light Tap: A gentle, brief touch.
She gave her friend a pat on the back for encouragement.
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Pet
Domesticated Animal: Kept for companionship.
Their pet dog loves to play in the park.
Pat
Comforting Gesture: A reassuring touch.
The teacher patted the child's shoulder to calm him.
Pet
Companion: An animal that provides company.
She considers her cat her closest pet companion.
Pat
Approval Sign: A brief touch to indicate approval.
The coach patted the player on the back after a good game.
Pet
Family Member: Often treated as part of the family.
The pet rabbit has its own space in the house.
Pat
To tap gently with the open hand or with something flat.
Pet
An animal kept for enjoyment or companionship.
Pat
To stroke lightly as a gesture of affection.
Pet
An object of the affections.
Pat
To mold by tapping gently with the hands or a flat implement.
Pet
A person especially loved or indulged; a favorite
The teacher's pet.
Pat
To run or walk with a tapping sound.
Pet
A fit of bad temper or pique.
Pat
To hit something or against something gently or lightly.
Pet
Kept as a pet
A pet cat.
Pat
A light gentle stroke or tap.
Pet
Particularly cherished or indulged
A pet grandchild.
Pat
The sound made by a light stroke or tap or by light footsteps.
Pet
Expressing or showing affection
A pet name.
Pat
A small mass shaped by or as if by patting
A pat of butter.
Pet
Being a favorite
A pet topic.
Pat
Suitable; fitting
"Suggestions about her reasons for going are made indirectly, lightly and ambiguously.
No pat explanation is offered" (Janna Malamud Smith).
Pet
To stroke or caress gently.
Pat
Fitting or satisfactory in a superficial or contrived way, especially in being trite or glib
"The dialogue is sometimes stilted and the ending too pat" (Leonard Malkin).
Pet
To stroke or fondle amorously.
Pat
(Games) Being a poker hand that is strong enough to make drawing cards unlikely to improve it.
Pet
To be sulky and peevish.
Pat
Readily or perfectly as a result of memorization or familiarization
They've got the system down pat. He has the lesson pat.
Pet
An animal kept as a companion.
Pat
The sound of a light slap or tap with a soft flat object, especially of a footstep
We heard a pat on the door.
Pet
(by extension) Something kept as a companion, including inanimate objects. (pet rock, pet plant, etc.)
Pat
A light tap or slap, especially with the hands
Give Mary a pat on the shoulder to get her attention.
Pet
One who is excessively loyal to a superior and receives preferential treatment.
Pat
A flattish lump of soft matter, especially butter or dung.
Pet
Any person or animal especially cherished and indulged; a darling.
Pat
To (gently) tap the flat of one's hand on a person or thing.
To show affection, he decided he would pat the boy on the head.
Pet
A fit of petulance, a sulk, arising from the impression that one has been offended or slighted.
Pat
To hit lightly and repeatedly with the flat of the hand to make smooth or flat
I patted the cookie dough into shape.
Pet
Abbreviation of petition
Pat
To stroke or fondle (an animal).
Do you want to pat the cat?
Pet
A term of endearment usually applied to women and children.
Pat
To gently rain.
Pet
(transitive) To stroke or fondle (an animal).
Pat
Exactly suitable, fitting, apt; timely, convenient, opportune, ready for the occasion; especially of things spoken.
A pat expression
Pet
To stroke or fondle (another person) amorously.
Pat
Trite, being superficially complete, lacking originality.
Pet
To treat as a pet; to fondle; to indulge.
His daughter was petted and spoiled.
Pat
Opportunely, in a timely or suitable way.
Pet
To be a pet.
Pat
Perfectly.
He has the routine down pat.
Pet
To be peevish; to sulk.
Pat
To strike gently with the fingers or hand; to stroke lightly; to tap; as, to pat a dog.
Gay pats my shoulder, and you vanish quite.
Pet
Favourite; cherished; the focus of one's (usually positive) attention.
A pet child
The professor seemed offended by the criticism of her pet theory.
Pat
A light, quik blow or stroke with the fingers or hand; a tap.
Pet
Kept or treated as a pet.
Pet rock
Pat
A small mass, as of butter, shaped by pats.
It looked like a tessellated work of pats of butter.
Pet
A cade lamb; a lamb brought up by hand.
Pat
Exactly suitable; fit; convenient; timely.
Pet
Any person especially cherished and indulged; a fondling; a darling; often, a favorite child.
The love of cronies, pets, and favorites.
Pat
In a pat manner.
I foresaw then 't would come in pat hereafter.
Pet
A slight fit of peevishness or fretfulness.
Pat
The sound made by a gentle blow
Pet
Any animal kept as a companion, usually in or around one's home, typically domesticated and cared for attentively and often affectionately. Distinguished from animals raised for food or to perform useful tasks, as a draft animal.
Pat
A light touch or stroke
Pet
Petted; indulged; admired; cherished; as, a pet child; a pet lamb; a pet theory; a pet animal.
Some young lady's pet curate.
Pat
Pat or squeeze fondly or playfully, especially under the chin
Pet
To treat as a pet; to fondle; to indulge; as, she was petted and spoiled.
Pat
Hit lightly;
Pat him on the shoulder
Pet
To be a pet.
Pat
Having only superficial plausibility;
Glib promises
A slick commercial
Pet
A domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement
Pat
Exactly suited to the occasion;
A pat reply
Pet
A special loved one
Pat
Completely or perfectly;
He has the lesson pat
Had the system down pat
Pet
A fit of petulance or sulkiness (especially at what is felt to be a slight)
Pat
Gesture of Affection: A way to show care or approval.
He patted the dog's head affectionately.
Pet
Using a computerized radiographic technique to examine the metabolic activity in various tissues (especially in the brain)
Pat
Smoothing Action: Lightly pressing or shaping.
She patted the dough into shape.
Pet
Stroke or caress gently;
Pet the lamb
Pet
Stroke or caress in an erotic manner, as during lovemaking
Pet
Preferred above all others and treated with partiality;
The favored child
Pet
Animal Friend: A source of affection and fun.
Their pet parrot can mimic their words.
Pet
Responsibility: Requires care and attention.
Having a pet fish means cleaning the tank regularly.
FAQs
What are common types of pets?
Common pets include dogs, cats, birds, fish, and small mammals like hamsters and rabbits.
How is a pat used in social interactions?
A pat is used to show encouragement, affection, or approval, such as patting someone on the back.
Can patting be used on objects?
Yes, patting can be used to smooth or shape objects, like patting down a pillow.
Can patting be a sign of comfort?
Yes, patting can be a comforting gesture, offering reassurance or sympathy.
What is a pet?
A pet is a domesticated animal kept for companionship or pleasure.
Why do people keep pets?
People keep pets for companionship, emotional support, and enjoyment.
Is patting always a gentle action?
Typically, patting is gentle and meant to be comforting or reassuring.
Can patting be part of pet care?
Yes, pet owners often pat their pets to show affection and reinforce their bond.
What does "pat" mean?
Pat refers to a light tap or stroke, often given as a gesture of affection or approval.
What is the difference between a pat and a pet?
A pat is a gentle touch, while a pet is a domesticated animal kept for companionship.
What is the role of a pet in a household?
Pets often serve as companions, providing joy and emotional support to their owners.
Is patting always done with the hand?
Generally, yes, patting is done with the hand.
Can a pat be a form of praise?
Yes, a pat can be used to praise or acknowledge someone's good effort.
Can patting be used in sports?
Yes, athletes are often patted on the back or shoulders as a form of encouragement.
What responsibilities come with having a pet?
Responsibilities include feeding, grooming, providing medical care, and ensuring the pet's overall well-being.
How do pets contribute to emotional well-being?
Pets provide companionship, reduce stress, and can offer emotional support to their owners.
What are the benefits of having a pet?
Benefits include companionship, stress relief, and increased physical activity through play and walks.
How do pets impact social life?
Pets can enhance social life by providing a common interest for interaction and helping owners meet new people through pet-related activities.
What does it mean to pat someone on the back?
Patting someone on the back typically means giving them encouragement or congratulations.
Do pets require training?
Many pets, especially dogs, benefit from training to ensure good behavior and obedience.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Co-written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
