English Lexicon

Pet

/pɛt/
nounverbadjectiveCEFR A1 (Beginner)Top #1450 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A domesticated animal kept for pleasure and companionship.

    "She has a pet cat that loves to play with yarn."
As verb
  1. 1

    To stroke or pat an animal affectionately.

    "He likes to pet his dog after a long day."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The word pet likely originated in the 16th century as a Scottish and Northern English dialect term, possibly related to the obsolete verb 'pet' meaning to treat with affection or the French 'petit' meaning small. Initially used to denote a favored or spoiled child, its meaning shifted by the 18th century to predominantly refer to a domesticated animal kept for companionship.

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