Definitions
- Describing a light touch or tap with the hand on someone's back, head, or shoulder as a sign of affection or encouragement. - Referring to a gentle and rhythmic tapping motion, such as patting dough or patting a dog. - Talking about a quick and firm touch with the hand to put out a fire or extinguish a flame.
- Describing a gentle and continuous movement of the hand over someone's hair, back, or arm as a sign of affection or comfort. - Referring to a smooth and even movement of the hand over an object or surface, such as stroking a cat or stroking a guitar string. - Talking about a medical condition that affects the brain and causes damage to the nervous system, such as a stroke.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve touching with the hand.
- 2Both can be used to show affection or comfort.
- 3Both can be used in a rhythmic motion.
- 4Both can be used to interact with animals or pets.
- 5Both can be used to manipulate objects or surfaces.
What is the difference?
- 1Intensity: Patting is usually lighter and quicker than stroking, which is more gentle and continuous.
- 2Purpose: Patting is often used to show encouragement or to extinguish a flame, while stroking is more commonly used to show affection or comfort.
- 3Direction: Patting is usually done in a downward motion, while stroking can be done in any direction.
- 4Connotation: Patting can sometimes have a negative connotation, such as when used to belittle or patronize someone, while stroking is generally associated with positive emotions.
- 5Usage: Patting is more commonly used in everyday language, while stroking is more formal and less commonly used.
Remember this!
Pat and stroke are both actions that involve touching with the hand, but they differ in intensity, purpose, direction, connotation, and usage. Patting is a quick and light touch used to show encouragement or to extinguish a flame, while stroking is a gentle and continuous movement used to show affection or comfort. Patting is more commonly used in everyday language, while stroking is more formal and less commonly used.
