pace
PAYSS
/peɪs/
The speed at which someone or something moves or happens; also, a single step in walking.
Often refers to a consistent speed maintained over time, rather than a sudden burst.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'passus,' which was a measure of distance equal to five Roman feet (two steps). It originally referred to the physical act of stepping before evolving into the concept of speed.
Word relationships
- tempo: Tempo is often used in music or to describe the 'feel' of a game's speed.
Commonly confused with
- stride: A stride is the length of a single step; pace is the overall speed of the steps.
Word family
- pacer (noun): A person or vehicle that sets the speed for others in a race.
Collocations
- keep pace with
- steady pace
- set the pace
Idioms & expressions
- put someone through their paces
- change of pace
Example sentences
- "He set a blistering pace early in the marathon, but he struggled to maintain it in the final miles." Running
- "The pace of technological change is so fast that it's hard for regulations to keep up." Life/Work
Memory hook
Think of a 'Pacer' car in a race—it's there to make sure everyone stays at the right speed. Pace = Persistent speed.
When not to use
Don't use for 'acceleration'; pace is about the steady rate.
Fun facts
- In horse racing, a 'pacer' is a horse with a specific gait where the legs on the same side move together.
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