English Word of the Day – pat

to touch someone lightly several times with the flat part of your hand, in order to comfort them or to show them that you are pleased

* "Don't worry," he said, patting her hand gently.

** "The baby's due in March," Caroline said smiling and patting her stomach.

pat somebody on the shoulder/ arm/ head etc

* She bent down and patted the dog on the head. (http://www.ldoceonline.com)

Behind the scenes while filming the all-new Nissan Altima commercial - lots of pats on the back (= praise) in the video below

Interesting to find out - The Back Pat: Why do we pat on the back?