Pad

Definition

Pad can refer to a thick piece of soft material used to reduce friction or protect an area, a flat surface on which to write, or to walk quietly or stealthily.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pæd/
• Respelling: PAD (with "PAD" as in "pad")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pæd/
• Respelling: PAD (similar to American English, with "PAD" as in "pad")

In both dialects, "pad" is pronounced with the vowel sound found in words like "cat" and "bat," and the pronunciation is straightforward and consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "PAD."

Etymology

Derived from Middle English padde, which referred to a type of horse that was used for transportation. Over time, the term evolved to refer to the soft saddle on which one rode such a horse. By extension, the word later began to be used to refer to any soft, cushiony surface or material.

Derivatives

• Padding
• Padded
• Padder
• Pad-like
• Padless

Synonyms

• Cushion
• Notepad
• Mattress

Antonyms

• Hard surface
• Solid
• Frame

Usage

• Refers to a soft object or material used for cushioning.
• Can also refer to a collection of paper for writing.
• In verb form, it can indicate the act of adding unnecessary or extraneous material to something.

Related Terms

• Mat
• Sponge
• Notebook
• Buffer
• Insert

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A flat, often soft piece of material used to protect, cushion, or give shape.
• Example: "He placed a pad under the vase to protect the table."

• A number of sheets of paper glued or otherwise held together at one edge to form a tablet.
• Example: "She scribbled a reminder on her notepad."

• A platform or raised area used for a particular purpose.
• Example: "The helicopter landed on the launch pad."

Verb

• To stuff, fill, or line with a soft material, making something thicker.
• Example: "The tailor padded the shoulders of the coat."

• To increase the amount or number of something, especially dishonestly.
• Example: "He padded his resume with false credentials."

• To walk or move quietly or softly.
• Example: "The cat padded softly through the house."