What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pitapat
Example
I could hear the pitapat of her footsteps as she ran down the hallway. [pitapat: noun]
Example
He walked pitapat down the stairs, trying not to make any noise. [pitapat: adverb]
patter
Example
The patter of rain on the roof was soothing to listen to. [patter: noun]
Example
She could hear the patter of his feet as he approached her from behind. [patter: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Patter is more commonly used than pitapat in everyday language. Patter is versatile and can be used to describe a variety of soft sounds, while pitapat is less common and more specific to the sound of quick and light footsteps.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pitapat and patter?
Both pitapat and patter are informal words that are more commonly used in casual conversations or creative writing than in formal contexts.
