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Paced Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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paced

[peษชst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

movement speed

To pace means to walk or move at a steady and consistent speed, often due to nervousness or anxiety. It can also refer to setting a specific speed or rate for an activity or event.

Synonyms

stride, tread, walk.

Examples of usage

  • She paced back and forth while waiting for the news.
  • The coach paced the field during practice, ensuring everyone kept up.
  • He needs to pace himself during the marathon to avoid exhaustion.
Context #2 | Noun

speed measurement

Pace, in a different context, refers to the speed at which someone or something moves. It is often measured in minutes per mile or kilometer, particularly in running or other sports.

Synonyms

rate, speed, tempo.

Examples of usage

  • She maintained a steady pace throughout her run.
  • His pace was faster than most competitors in the race.
  • Finding the right pace is crucial for success in long-distance events.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that pacing in tasks can improve focus and decrease stress, as it allows for mindful engagement.
  • People often adjust their pace based on their emotional state; for example, someone feeling rushed may walk faster.
  • Pacing oneself during learning can enhance retention, as it gives the brain time to process information.

Fitness

  • In running, pacing is crucial; finding the right speed can help athletes maintain stamina throughout a race.
  • Different workouts can include pace training, where runners practice going at various speeds to improve performance.
  • Heart rate zones often dictate pacing; higher heart rates typically indicate faster paces, and monitoring these can optimize fitness.

Literature

  • In storytelling, pacing refers to the speed at which the narrative unfolds, influencing tension and engagement.
  • Authors often manipulate pacing to heighten suspense โ€” short, punchy sentences speed up the action, while longer, descriptive passages slow it down.
  • Good pacing in poetry can enhance the emotional impact, with rhythm and stanza length creating a unique flow.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of pacing is often seen in movies; a well-paced film keeps audiences engaged and follows traditional three-act structures.
  • In video game design, pacing determines how quickly players face challenges, balancing moments of intensity with opportunities for strategy.
  • Television series frequently rely on pacing to maintain viewer interest, strategically revealing character arcs over seasons.

Origin of 'paced'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Paced' comes from the Middle English word 'pasen', which means to pass or walk.
  • The Latin root 'passus' refers to a step, linking back to how we measure speed in steps.
  • The word has evolved to not just mean walking, but also to indicate the rhythm and speed of any activity.

The word 'pace' originates from the Latin term 'passus', which means 'a step' and refers to the space between two consecutive steps in walking or running. As the term evolved into Old French as 'pas', meaning 'step', it made its way into Middle English as 'pace', retaining the meaning related to movement and steps. The verb form, which emerged later, captures the essence of controlling the speed of movement, making it applicable in various contexts. The word has been used in English literature since the early 14th century and has expanded to include metaphorical uses, such as pacing oneself in work or a project, which illustrates the adaptability and richness of the term in the English language.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,428, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.