Word of the Day: Pace
The word “pace” is used when describing speed and movement.
- The boat is moving at a very quick pace.
- This line is moving at a slow pace.
- The pace of the runners on the track helped the first-place finisher break a world record.
- The company is producing products at a furious pace. (furious = very quick)
In the next set of sentences, “pace” is a verb that means to observe or monitor one’s speed. Notice that a reflexive pronoun is often used in this instance.
- I’m trying to pace myself. (I’m monitoring my speed.)
- Don’t run too fast. Try to pace yourself.
- He’s pacing himself.
- If we walk too fast we’ll get tired. Let’s pace ourselves.
- They don’t want to spend all of their money on the first few days of their vacation. They’re pacing themselves.
When used as a verb, “pace” also means to walk back and forth. Pacing may indicate that a person is nervous or worried about something:
- The man paced up and down the hallway as he waited for an update from the doctor on his wife’s condition.
- Someone is pacing in front of the building.
- The dog is pacing in front of the fence.
- Why are you pacing? Are you nervous?
When something or someone moves slowly, we say that it moves at a snail’s pace. In other words, it moves very slowly.
Essential English Dictionary
Visit the Popular English Words Beginning with P page to see the list of all words starting with letter P. For seeing the HiCafe dictionary, visit the Popular English Words with Meaning page.
