Par vs. Pat — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 4, 2024
"Par" refers to the standard score in a game of golf or to any standard level, while "pat" is a verb meaning to touch lightly and repeatedly or a noun describing the action itself.
Difference Between Par and Pat
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Par" is commonly used in the context of golf to refer to the number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to make on a hole or course. In contrast, "pat" as a verb involves gently touching or tapping someone or something repeatedly with a flat hand, and as a noun, it describes such an action or a small portion of something soft.
In broader usage, "par" denotes an average or standard level or value, such as in finance where it might indicate the face value of a stock or bond. Whereas, "pat" can also mean to put or set something down firmly and softly, often used in phrases like "pat down."
When someone achieves "par," it indicates they have met expected standards or norms, neither underperforming nor excelling. On the other hand, a "pat" can convey affection, reassurance, or an attempt to soothe, as when one pats a child on the back.
The concept of "par" is thus associated with achieving a benchmark or standard, crucial in contexts like sports or economics for measuring performance against established criteria. Conversely, "pat" tends to be more personal and tactile, relating to physical interaction or the method of handling objects gently.
"Par" is inherently a comparative measure, gauging entities or actions against a predefined standard. "Pat," however, often focuses on the method or action of touching, not involving any comparison but rather the act itself.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Standard score in golf; standard level or value
Light, repeated touch; a soft, quick tap
Usage Context
Sports (golf), finance
Personal interaction, cooking
Connotation
Meeting a standard, neither good nor bad
Affectionate or comforting gesture
Primary Function
Benchmarking performance
Physical gesture or handling method
Common Associations
Golf courses, financial standards
Patting someone on the back, patting dough
Compare with Definitions
Par
Used in finance to refer to the nominal or face value of a stock, bond, or other financial instrument.
The bonds were issued at par value of $100 each.
Pat
To touch lightly and repeatedly with a flat hand as a gesture of affection or in handling something.
He gave the dog a gentle pat to calm it down.
Par
The number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to make on a particular hole or course.
She scored a birdie on the last hole, one under par.
Pat
A light, quick touch or stroke.
She gave her hair a few pats to smooth it down.
Par
Comparatively speaking, being at a level considered normal or average.
His performance this semester was on par with expectations.
Pat
Used metaphorically to describe a timely or apt comment or action.
His comment about the budget came right on the pat.
Par
Any standard or average level or value.
The sales figures for this month are above par for the season.
Pat
To put or set something down softly and carefully.
She patted the dough into flat shapes before baking.
Par
In other sports, a standard score for a session or game.
In volleyball, their team’s performance was just at par with the league's average.
Pat
A small portion of a soft or mushy substance, shaped and smoothed down.
He placed a pat of butter on each pancake.
Par
The number of strokes a first-class player should normally require for a particular hole or course
Woosnam had advanced from his overnight position of three under par
The sixteenth is a par five
Pat
To tap gently with the open hand or with something flat.
Par
The face value of a share or other security, as distinct from its market value
Par value
The 9 per cent unsecured loan stock is redeemable at par
Pat
To stroke lightly as a gesture of affection.
Par
A paragraph
Fifteen pars on the front page
Pat
To mold by tapping gently with the hands or a flat implement.
Par
Play (a hole) in par
He calmly parred the 17th
Pat
To run or walk with a tapping sound.
Par
An amount or level considered to be average; a standard
Performing up to par.
Did not yet feel up to par.
Pat
To hit something or against something gently or lightly.
Par
An equality of status, level, or value; equal footing
A local product on a par with the best foreign makes.
Pat
A light gentle stroke or tap.
Par
The established value of a monetary unit expressed in terms of a monetary unit of another country using the same metal standard.
Pat
The sound made by a light stroke or tap or by light footsteps.
Par
See par value.
Pat
A small mass shaped by or as if by patting
A pat of butter.
Par
(Sports) The number of golf strokes considered necessary to complete a hole or course in expert play.
Pat
Suitable; fitting
"Suggestions about her reasons for going are made indirectly, lightly and ambiguously.
No pat explanation is offered" (Janna Malamud Smith).
Par
To score par on (a hole or course) in golf.
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).
Par
Equal to the standard; normal
A solid, par performance.
Pat
(Games) Being a poker hand that is strong enough to make drawing cards unlikely to improve it.
Par
Of or relating to monetary face value.
Pat
Readily or perfectly as a result of memorization or familiarization
They've got the system down pat. He has the lesson pat.
Par
Abbr of paragraph
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.
Par
Abbr of parenthesis
Pat
A light tap or slap, especially with the hands
Give Mary a pat on the shoulder to get her attention.
Par
Abbr of parish
Pat
A flattish lump of soft matter, especially butter or dung.
Par
Equal value; equality of nominal and actual value; the value expressed on the face or in the words of a certificate of value, as a bond or other commercial paper.
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.
Par
Equality of condition or circumstances.
Pat
To hit lightly and repeatedly with the flat of the hand to make smooth or flat
I patted the cookie dough into shape.
Par
The allotted number of strokes to reach the hole.
He needs to make this shot for par.
Pat
To stroke or fondle (an animal).
Do you want to pat the cat?
Par
A hole in which a player achieves par.
Pat
To gently rain.
Par
(UK) An amount which is taken as an average or mean.
Pat
Exactly suitable, fitting, apt; timely, convenient, opportune, ready for the occasion; especially of things spoken.
A pat expression
Par
Abbr of parallel
Pat
Trite, being superficially complete, lacking originality.
Par
(in compounds) By; with.
Pat
Opportunely, in a timely or suitable way.
Par
To reach the hole in the allotted number of strokes.
He will need to par every hole in order to win this game.
Pat
Perfectly.
He has the routine down pat.
Par
To associate, to chill, to hang.
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.
Par
See Parr.
Pat
A light, quik blow or stroke with the fingers or hand; a tap.
Par
Equal value; equality of nominal and actual value; the value expressed on the face or in the words of a certificate of value, as a bond or other commercial paper.
Pat
A small mass, as of butter, shaped by pats.
It looked like a tessellated work of pats of butter.
Par
Equality of condition or circumstances.
Pat
Exactly suitable; fit; convenient; timely.
Par
An amount which is taken as an average or mean.
Pat
In a pat manner.
I foresaw then 't would come in pat hereafter.
Par
The number of strokes required for a hole or a round played without mistake, two strokes being allowed on each hole for putting. Par represents perfect play, whereas bogey makes allowance on some holes for human frailty. Thus if par for a course is 75, bogey is usually put down, arbitrarily, as 81 or 82. If par for one hole is 5, a bogey is 6, and a score of 7 strokes would be a double bogey.
Pat
The sound made by a gentle blow
Par
By; with; - used frequently in Early English in phrases taken from the French, being sometimes written as a part of the word which it governs; as, par amour, or paramour; par cas, or parcase; par fay, or parfay.
Pat
A light touch or stroke
Par
(golf) the standard number of strokes set for each hole on a golf course, or for the entire course;
A par-5 hole
Par for this course is 72
Pat
Pat or squeeze fondly or playfully, especially under the chin
Par
A state of being essentially equal or equivalent; equally balanced;
On a par with the best
Pat
Hit lightly;
Pat him on the shoulder
Par
Make a score (on a hole) equal to par
Pat
Having only superficial plausibility;
Glib promises
A slick commercial
Pat
Exactly suited to the occasion;
A pat reply
Pat
Completely or perfectly;
He has the lesson pat
Had the system down pat
Common Curiosities
Can "par" refer to quality in any context?
Yes, "par" can refer to an expected level of quality or standard in various contexts, not just in sports but also in business or any performance measurement.
How do "par" and "pat" differ in their application?
"Par" is used to denote a standard or benchmark in performance or value, while "pat" focuses on the method of gentle touching or the act itself.
What is "par" used for in golf?
In golf, par is the standard number of strokes a skilled golfer should require to complete a hole or course.
Does "par" have a positive or negative connotation?
"Par" is neutral; it implies meeting a standard, without suggesting superiority or inferiority.
What is the origin of "pat" in the sense of touching?
The word "pat" comes from the imitative sound of a light tap or touch, representing the action itself.
What does it mean to "pat someone down"?
To "pat someone down" means to search them by tapping or touching them lightly, typically in a security check.
How is "pat" used in everyday language?
"Pat" is often used to describe a gentle, affectionate tap or touch, typically as a comforting gesture or in casual handling of soft materials.
Is "par" always related to performance?
Mostly, yes. "Par" usually relates to some level of performance or expectation, whether in sports, finance, or general assessment.
Is "pat" ever used metaphorically?
Yes, "pat" can be used metaphorically to describe a comment or action that is especially fitting or apt, as in "his response was right on the pat."
Can the use of "par" vary across different sports?
Yes, while most commonly associated with golf, "par" can also describe a standard score in other sports, indicating a baseline for comparison.
Can "pat" be a noun and a verb?
Yes, "pat" can be both a noun referring to the act of patting, and a verb describing the action itself.
How can "par" be used in finance?
In finance, "par" refers to the face or nominal value of a bond or other financial instruments, indicating its original value as issued.
Can "par" be applied to academic performance?
Yes, "par" can be metaphorically used to describe academic performance that meets the expected standard or norm.
How does "par" relate to other scoring terms in golf like "birdie" or "bogey"?
"Par" is the standard score, while "birdie" represents one stroke under par, and "bogey" means one stroke over par.
What does "pat of butter" mean in cooking?
A "pat of butter" refers to a small, often square or rectangular, piece of butter used for cooking or serving.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
