pace
pace Lexical Profile
pace Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Consistent and continuous speed in walking, running, or moving, or the rate at which an activity or process develops.
"The marathon runner maintained a steady pace throughout the entire race."
A single step taken when walking or running, often used as a rough unit of linear measurement.
"She took three paces forward and stood at the edge of the stage."
A distinct gait of a horse or other quadruped, especially one in which both legs on the same side of the body are lifted and moved forward together.
"The standardbred horse shifted smoothly into a brisk lateral pace around the track."
• verb
To walk at a steady and consistent speed, especially back and forth in a small space out of nervousness, impatience, or deep thought.
"He began to pace the hospital waiting room while awaiting news from the surgeon."
To regulate the speed or rate of an activity, performance, or one's own effort so as to avoid exhaustion and maintain effectiveness.
"Cyclists must carefully pace themselves during the steep mountain stages of the tour."
To measure a distance by walking over it and counting the number of steps taken.
"The surveyor helped pace the boundary of the garden before installing the fence."
• preposition
With due respect to someone or their opinion, used in formal or academic contexts to politely express disagreement or contradiction.
"Pace the prevailing economic theory, several developing markets expanded rapidly without foreign aid."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a noun and verb meaning 'step' or 'speed', 'pace' is a single-syllable word (/peɪs/). However, as a formal preposition meaning 'with due respect to', it is a direct borrowing from Latin and is pronounced as two syllables (/ˈpeɪsi/ or /ˈpɑːtʃeɪ/).
• Rhymes for pace
Word Origin & Etymology
The noun and verb derive via Old French 'pas' from Latin 'passus' (a step or stride), originally from 'pandere' (to stretch out the legs). The formal preposition comes directly from the ablative singular of Latin 'pax' (peace), used in the phrase 'pace tua' meaning 'with your peace' or 'by your leave'.