Pace Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pace
[peɪs ]
Definitions
in sports
A single step taken when walking or running. It is a unit of speed equal to one step per second.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
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| speed |
Use when referring to how fast something or someone moves, especially in a more general sense.
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| 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.
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| rate |
Use when referring to a measurable quantity or the speed at which something happens over a particular period of time.
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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.
in music
The speed at which a piece of music is played or sung.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| rhythm |
Rhythm denotes a repeating pattern of sounds or actions, often used in music, poetry, and life activities to signify regularity and flow.
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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.
general
To walk at a steady and consistent speed.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
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| walk |
A general term for moving on foot at a moderate pace, used in both formal and informal contexts.
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| stride |
Describes a long, decisive step typically associated with confidence or determination.
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| stroll |
Refers to walking in a slow, relaxed way, typically for pleasure.
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Examples of usage
- She paced back and forth in the waiting room.
- He paced the room nervously before the interview.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'pace'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'pace' originated from the Latin word 'passus' meaning 'step'. It has been used in various contexts throughout history, from measuring distance to describing speed in different activities. The concept of pace has evolved to represent not only physical movement but also the rhythm and speed of music or speech. Today, 'pace' is a versatile word that captures the essence of movement and speed in a wide range of contexts.