WordGarden.iopace
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /peɪs/not-comparableadjective
US
- /ˈpeɪs/
Meanings
Noun
the speed or rate at which someone or something moves or develops
a single step in walking or running
Verb
to walk back and forth repeatedly
to set, regulate, or match the speed of something
Preposition
with due respect to or contrary to what a named person says
Beyond the definition
Pace is the speed or rate at which something happens or is done. A brisk walking pace gets you where you need to go quickly, while a slower pace gives you more time to look around. Think of a story: a fast-paced thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat, while a slower novel lets you take in the details. You can set a pace for yourself, notice the pace of change, or try to keep pace with other people or with new events. It can also describe the general rhythm of something, like the pace of music or the pace of life in a busy city.
The word "pace" describes the speed or rate at which something moves or happens. It's more than just how fast something is; it's about the consistent rhythm and tempo. Think of a horse race—jockeys carefully manage their horse's pace to conserve energy for the final sprint.
You can talk about the pace of physical activity, like saying, "He maintained a steady pace during his run." But "pace" extends far beyond just movement. You might describe the pace of life in New York City as frantic and fast-paced, or contrast it with the slower pace of a rural village.
"Pace" can also refer to how quickly something develops or progresses. "The project is moving at a good pace" means things are happening efficiently. A writer might deliberately slow the pace of a story during a descriptive passage and then increase it during an action scene. You can also say that one thing keeps pace with another, meaning it stays at the same speed, level, or rate of progress.
As a verb, "to pace" means to walk with regular steps back and forth, often while worried or thinking deeply. You've probably seen someone pacing when they're anxiously awaiting news! It can also mean to regulate the speed of something—"The coach paced the runners to ensure they didn't start too fast."
So, whether it's a runner, a story, a project, or a worried mind, "pace" is all about rhythm, rate, and how things unfold over time.
Examples
- 1
Movement speed
The group moved at a slow pace because the path was icy.
- 2
Learning speed
You can watch the lessons at your own pace.
- Phraseat your own pace
as slowly or quickly as you need
- 3
Sports training
The coach told us to pick up the pace in the last ten minutes.
- Phrasepick up the pace
start moving or working faster
- 4
Lifestyle
The pace of life feels slower in this small town.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Technology change
It is hard to keep pace with changes in technology.
- Patternkeep pace with + change/competition
stay at the same level or speed
- 6
Industry leadership
That company set the pace for the whole industry.
- Phraseset the pace
lead the way for others
- 7
Routine change
After months of studying, the weekend trip was a nice change of pace.
- Phrasea change of pace
something different from your usual routine
- 8
Energy management
Don’t try to finish the whole project tonight; pace yourself.
- Phrasepace yourself
use your energy carefully so you can continue
- 9
Anxious waiting
He paced the hallway while he waited for the doctor to call.
- 10
Distance
The cabin was only a few paces from the lake.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- pacenounverb
Forms
- pacedpast tenseverbnoun
- pacing-ing formverbnoun
- pacespluralnounverb