The man smiled as he stroked the cat's soft fur.

Meaning: The man was happy as he gently rubbed the cat's smooth and pleasant-to-touch hair.

Choice of Words: Smiled means to show happiness by turning up the corners of the mouth. Stroked means to rub something gently with the hand. Soft means smooth and pleasant to touch. Fur is the thick hair that covers the body of an animal.

Alternative Expressions

The man smiled as he stroked the cat's soft fur.

Meaning: The man was happy and he was gently petting the cat's soft fur.

Choice of Words: Man refers to an adult male human being. Smiled indicates an expression of happiness or amusement. Stroked means to gently rub or caress something. Cat's shows that the fur belongs to a cat. Soft describes something that is smooth and not hard to touch. Fur refers to the coat of hair on an animal.

The gentleman beamed as he caressed the feline's velvety coat.

Meaning: The man was very happy and he was gently petting the cat's very soft fur.

Choice of Words: Gentleman is a more formal way to refer to a man, implying politeness and good manners. Beamed suggests a broad and bright smile. Caressed is a more elegant way to describe stroking. Feline's is a specific term for a cat. Velvety emphasizes how soft and smooth the fur is.

The chap grinned as he gently ran his hand over the kitty's plush fur.

Meaning: The man was smiling happily and he was gently petting the kitten's very soft fur.

Choice of Words: Chap is an informal term for a man. Grinned indicates a wide and happy smile. Gently shows that the man was being careful and not rough. Ran his hand means that he moved his hand over the fur. Kitty's shows that the fur belongs to a kitten. Plush describes something that is soft and luxurious.

Related Expressions