Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Pace: meaning, definitions and examples

🚶
Add to dictionary

pace

 

[peɪs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in sports

A single step taken when walking or running. It is a unit of speed equal to one step per second.

Synonyms

rate, speed, tempo.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
pace

Use when talking about the speed at which someone moves or the speed of an activity or event in a controlled or measured way.

  • She set a brisk pace during her morning run.
  • He needs to control the pace of his speech when presenting.
speed

Use when referring to how fast something or someone moves, especially in a more general sense.

  • The car reached a speed of 120 km/h.
  • She was impressed by the speed of the internet connection.
tempo

Use specifically in musical contexts to refer to the speed at which a piece of music is played, or in metaphorical contexts to describe the pace of activities or events.

  • The conductor asked the orchestra to play at a faster tempo.
  • The team's tempo increased as the deadline approached.
rate

Use when referring to a measurable quantity or the speed at which something happens over a particular period of time.

  • The heartbeat rate increased during the exercise.
  • The interest rate for the loan is quite high.

Examples of usage

  • He increased his pace as he approached the finish line.
  • She tried to keep up with the pace of the marathon runners.
  • We need to pick up the pace if we want to finish on time.
Context #2 | Noun

in music

The speed at which a piece of music is played or sung.

Synonyms

rhythm, speed, tempo.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
pace

When used twice, 'pace' typically indicates a sense of movement and rhythm in repeated or paired actions, often in arts or literature.

  • In the dance routine, the instructor emphasized the importance of keeping the pace, pace.
tempo

Tempo is primarily a musical term describing the speed at which a piece of music is played. It can also be used metaphorically to talk about the pace of activities.

  • The conductor set a fast tempo for the symphony.
  • The project moved forward at a steady tempo, ensuring all tasks were completed on time.
speed

Speed refers to how fast something moves or happens, generally focusing on quickness and efficiency. It is often used in contexts requiring measurement or comparison of velocity.

  • The car raced down the highway at a tremendous speed.
  • She admired the speed at which technology evolves.
rhythm

Rhythm denotes a repeating pattern of sounds or actions, often used in music, poetry, and life activities to signify regularity and flow.

  • The band played with a catchy rhythm that got everyone dancing.
  • He enjoyed the rhythm of the waves crashing on the shore.

Examples of usage

  • The conductor set a fast pace for the orchestra to follow.
  • The pianist played the piece at a slow pace to convey emotion.
Context #3 | Verb

general

To walk at a steady and consistent speed.

Synonyms

stride, stroll, walk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
pace

Used when talking about the speed at which someone or something moves or progresses. Often used in more formal or technical contexts.

  • The runner kept a steady pace throughout the marathon.
  • We need to increase the pace of our work to meet the deadline.
walk

A general term for moving on foot at a moderate pace, used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • Let's go for a walk to clear our minds.
  • He walks to work every day.
stride

Describes a long, decisive step typically associated with confidence or determination.

  • He took long strides across the room to greet his friend.
  • She walked with a purposeful stride towards her goal.
stroll

Refers to walking in a slow, relaxed way, typically for pleasure.

  • They took a stroll through the park after dinner.
  • She enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the beach.

Examples of usage

  • She paced back and forth in the waiting room.
  • He paced the room nervously before the interview.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'pace' comes from the Latin word 'passus,' meaning a single step or stride.
  • In English, 'pace' originally referred to the step length but has evolved to describe speed as well.
  • The term began to be widely used in the 14th century when discussing both walking and running speeds.

Sports

  • In track and field, 'pace' is crucial for athletes; maintaining the right speed can determine the outcome of races.
  • Marathon runners often practice pacing by using watches or pacing partners to ensure they run at a steady speed.
  • Cyclists also focus on pace, using different gears and techniques to sustain energy over long distances.

Psychology

  • Pacing can affect perception of time; when you're excited, time may feel like it's passing quickly.
  • In therapeutic settings, pace is important for creating a relaxed environment, allowing patients to process emotions.
  • The concept of 'pacing' is often used in behavioral therapy to help manage anxiety by gradually increasing challenges.

Technology

  • In programming, a 'pace' can refer to the speed of processes and loops, affecting software performance.
  • Fitness trackers and apps now utilize pace measurements to help users improve their workouts and track progress.
  • Drones and autonomous vehicles rely on precise pacing to follow designated paths and avoid obstacles.

Literature

  • In storytelling, pacing is key; it's the rhythm of how quickly or slowly events unfold to keep readers engaged.
  • Authors often manipulate pace through sentence length; shorter sentences can create a fast pace, while longer ones can slow it down.
  • Pacing in poetry can influence how a reader experiences the emotion of the piece, affecting their connection to the words.

Translations

Translations of the word "pace" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ritmo

🇮🇳 गति

🇩🇪 Tempo

🇮🇩 kecepatan

🇺🇦 темп

🇵🇱 tempo

🇯🇵 ペース

🇫🇷 rythme

🇪🇸 ritmo

🇹🇷 tempo

🇰🇷 속도

🇸🇦 وتيرة

🇨🇿 tempo

🇸🇰 tempo

🇨🇳 节奏

🇸🇮 tempo

🇮🇸 hraði

🇰🇿 қарқын

🇬🇪 ტემპი

🇦🇿 sürət

🇲🇽 ritmo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,030, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.