pet
A1General; also used in informal contexts for the 'favourite' sense.
Definition
Meaning
A domesticated animal kept for companionship or pleasure, such as a dog, cat, or bird.
A person treated with special favour or fondness, often excessively so; to stroke or pat affectionately; (adjective) kept as a companion animal or expressing favouritism; (informal) denoting a strong but temporary interest or hobby.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Core meaning refers primarily to companion animals. The verb sense implies gentle, affectionate touch. The 'favourite' sense (e.g., 'pet project') can be slightly informal and may imply indulgence or special treatment. The informal noun sense 'a fit of sulking or bad temper' (e.g., 'in a pet') is now dated or literary.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal differences in core meaning. 'Petrol' (UK) vs. 'Gas' (US) for fuel is a notable false friend. 'Pet hate/peeve' is common in both.
Connotations
Largely identical. The verb 'to pet' in a romantic/sexual context is more common in American English (e.g., 'petting' as a stage of physical intimacy). In British English, 'to pet' an animal is standard; the romantic sense is understood but less dominant.
Frequency
Equally high frequency for the noun (animal) sense in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have a pet [noun]keep [animal] as a petpet [noun] (verb)be the teacher's pet (noun)a pet [project/theory] (adjective)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “teacher's pet”
- “pet hate/peeve”
- “in a pet (dated)”
- “pet project”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in industries like 'pet care', 'pet supplies', 'pet insurance'. 'Pet project' refers to a favoured initiative.
Academic
Rare in core academic texts except in specific fields like veterinary science, animal behaviour, or sociology of human-animal bonds.
Everyday
Extremely common for discussing domestic animals, favourites, or hobbies ('my pet hobby is gardening').
Technical
In computing, 'PET' can be an acronym (e.g., Personal Electronic Transactor, a early computer). In chemistry, refers to polyethylene terephthalate (the plastic).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She sat quietly, petting her cat on her lap.
- The dog nuzzled her hand, wanting to be petted.
American English
- They were petting in the back seat of the car.
- He gently petted the horse's neck.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form. 'Pettingly' is extremely rare and non-standard.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form. 'Pettingly' is extremely rare and non-standard.)
adjective
British English
- This is my pet theory about how the universe began.
- They have a pet rabbit living in a hutch in the garden.
American English
- Improving the park has become the mayor's pet project.
- Make sure you buy the right pet food for your lizard.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a pet dog. His name is Max.
- Do you like my pet hamster?
- She feeds her pet every morning.
- Looking after a pet teaches children about responsibility.
- My pet rabbit needs a new cage.
- What started as a pet project has now become a successful business.
- His reluctance to delegate is my absolute pet peeve.
- The charity focuses on rehoming abandoned pets.
- She's been the manager's pet ever since she joined the team.
- The study examines the anthropomorphism inherent in the 'pet-owner' relationship.
- He nursed a pet grievance against his former colleague for years.
- The legislation aims to curb the trade in exotic pets.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the letters P-E-T: 'Please Enjoy Together' – you enjoy life together with your pet animal.
Conceptual Metaphor
FAVOURITE IS A PET (e.g., 'pet project' – a project one nurtures and favours like a pet).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing 'pet' (домашнее животное, любимец) with 'petrol' (UK) = бензин. 'Gas' in US English is also бензин.
- The verb 'to pet' (гладить) is not the same as 'to pat' (похлопать). 'To pet' implies longer, affectionate stroking.
- Russian 'питомец' is a direct conceptual equivalent for the 'favourite' or 'kept animal' sense.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'pet' as a countable noun without an article (e.g., 'I have pet' instead of 'I have a pet').
- Confusing 'pet' (animal) with 'pest' (annoying insect/animal).
- Overusing 'pet' for all animals; it specifically implies domestication and companionship, not just any animal.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'pet' used as an adjective?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'pet' can refer to any domesticated animal kept for companionship, including rabbits, birds, fish, reptiles, and even farm animals like goats if they are companions.
'To pet' implies a gentle, repeated stroking motion (e.g., petting a cat). 'To pat' is a light, quick touch, often with an open hand (e.g., patting someone on the back).
Yes, informally and often negatively. 'Teacher's pet' is a common phrase for a student perceived as the teacher's favourite. Calling an adult someone's 'pet' implies they are overly favoured or subservient.
It has two meanings: 1) A name given to a pet animal. 2) An affectionate nickname for a loved one (e.g., 'honey', 'darling').