pat

• Qualifie quelque chose qui convient parfaitement ou qui est approprié à une situation, souvent d'une manière qui semble trop rapide ou apprise par cœur.

Describes something that is exactly right or appropriate for a situation, often in a way that seems too quick or rehearsed.

1. Superficially plausibleC1formal

   Seeming true or correct but only in a shallow or unconvincing way.

   superficiellement plausible

   • His explanation was too pat to be believable.
   • She gave a pat answer that didn't address the real issue.
   • The politician's pat response avoided the difficult questions.

   Synonymesfacileglibshallowsimplisticslicksmoothsuperficialunconvincing

   Antonymesconsidereddeepprofoundthoroughthoughtful

2. Exactly suitedC1formal

   Perfectly appropriate or fitting for a particular situation.

   exactement adapté

   • Her comment was pat for the occasion.
   • He had a pat phrase ready for every argument.
   • The solution seemed pat, as if it had been prepared in advance.

   Synonymesappositeappropriateaproposaptfelicitousfittingpertinentsuitablewell timed

   Antonymesimproperinappropriateinaptunfittingunsuitable

• Adverbe signifiant « au moment le plus opportun » ou « d'une manière parfaitement adaptée ». S'emploie souvent dans l'expression « to have something down pat », qui signifie connaître ou retenir quelque chose à la perfection.

An adverb meaning 'at exactly the right moment' or 'in a way that is perfectly suitable or appropriate.' It is often used in the phrase 'to have something down pat,' meaning to know or remember something perfectly.

1. Completely or perfectlyB2informal

   In a way that is exactly right, often used to describe knowing or having something ready.

   parfaitement, exactement

   • She had her speech down pat after practicing all week.
   • He knows the entire route pat from memory.
   • The comedian had his jokes down pat for the show.

   Synonymesexactlyflawlesslyperfectlypreciselyto perfection

• Substantif désignant un bruit produit par une tape légère, ou une caresse ou un contact doux fait avec la main.

A noun referring to the sound produced by a gentle blow, or a light touch or stroke with the hand.

1. Gentle soundA2formal

   The sound made by a light, gentle blow or tap.

   bruit léger d'un petit coup

   • I heard a soft pat on the window.
   • The pat of rain on the roof was soothing.
   • There was a gentle pat as the cat jumped down.

   Synonymesraptap

2. Light touch or strokeA2formal

   A gentle, friendly touch or stroke, often with the hand.

   Petite tape amicale

   • She gave the dog a reassuring pat on the head.
   • He felt a pat on his shoulder from behind.
   • A pat on the back is a sign of encouragement.

   Synonymescaressdabstroketaptouch

   Antonymesbangblowhitknockpunchslapsmackstrikethumpwhack

• Verbe désignant l'action de taper légèrement ou de toucher doucement quelque chose ou quelqu'un, souvent avec la main, comme geste d'affection, d'approbation ou pour aplatir une surface.

A verb used to indicate the act of tapping or striking something gently, often with the hand, as a gesture of affection, approval, or to flatten something.

1. Touch gently and affectionatelyA2informal

   To tap or squeeze someone or something lightly and affectionately, often as a sign of fondness or encouragement.

   tapoter affectueusement

   • She patted the dog on the head.
   • He patted her gently on the shoulder to comfort her.
   • The mother patted her child's cheek lovingly.

   Synonymescaressclapdabfondlestroketaptouch

   Antonymeshitpunchslapstrike

2. Strike lightlyB1formal

   To hit something or someone with a light, quick motion, often to flatten, shape, or remove something.

   tapoter

   • He patted the dough into a flat circle.
   • She patted the dust off her clothes.
   • The chef patted the steak dry with a paper towel.

   Synonymesclapdabtap

   Antonymesbeatpoundthump