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Pave Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pave

[peɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

construction

To cover (a piece of ground) with concrete, asphalt, or other surface.

Synonyms

cover, surface, tar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pave

Use when talking about making a road, path, or other surfaces smooth and suitable for travel by laying down materials like asphalt, concrete, or stones.

  • They decided to pave the driveway to make it easier to drive on.
  • The new road through the village was paved last summer.
surface

Use when referring to providing or finishing an outer layer of an object or area. It generally focuses on the top layer and can be less specific in terms of the material used.

  • The wooden table was surfaced with a smooth, glossy varnish.
  • They surfaced the playground with rubber mats to make it safer for children.
cover

Employ when discussing placing something over an area to protect, hide, or enclose it. It has a more general context and can refer to different materials and purposes.

  • We need to cover the pool before it rains.
  • She covered the cake with a layer of frosting.
tar

Apply when talking about covering a road, roof, or other surface with a thick, sticky substance derived from coal or wood; typically related to roadwork. It sometimes has a negative connotation related to rough or unpleasant surfaces.

  • The workers tarred the road, making it more durable against heavy traffic.
  • After the storm, we had to tar the roof to prevent leaks.

Examples of usage

  • The workers will pave the driveway with bricks.
  • The city decided to pave the road with asphalt.
Context #2 | Verb

prepare

To prepare and arrange the ground for planting.

Synonyms

arrange, level, prepare.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pave

This word is used when talking about covering a surface, usually with concrete, bricks, or stones, to make a smooth, hard surface for walking or driving.

  • They are going to pave the driveway next week.
  • The city plans to pave the streets in the new neighborhood.
prepare

This word is used when making something ready for use or consideration.

  • She will prepare the ingredients before cooking dinner.
  • He needs to prepare a report for the meeting.
arrange

This word is used when organizing or putting things in a particular order.

  • She needs to arrange the books on the shelf by size.
  • They will arrange a meeting for next Monday.
level

This word is used when making a surface flat or even.

  • He used a tool to level the ground before building the shed.
  • They need to level the floor before installing the new tiles.

Examples of usage

  • The gardener will pave the soil before sowing the seeds.
  • She decided to pave the garden for the upcoming season.
Context #3 | Noun

stone

A stone or stones forming a pavement.

Synonyms

flagstone, pavement, stone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pave

Used when referring to the act of covering a surface with asphalt, concrete, or other materials to make a firm, level area for walking, driving, etc.

  • They decided to pave the driveway to make it smoother.
  • The workers are paving the new road.
stone

A general term for any natural, solid mineral matter. It can be used in many contexts, such as construction, landscaping, and sculpture.

  • They used stone to build the garden wall.
  • He collected a small, smooth stone from the beach.
pavement

Commonly used to describe the finished, hardened surface of a street, road, or walkway. It's the result of paving and is often used in everyday language.

  • The kids were playing hopscotch on the pavement.
  • She tripped on the uneven pavement.
flagstone

Typically used for describing flat stones that are used in walkways, patios, and other landscaping projects. It refers more to the specific type of stone than the act of covering an area.

  • The garden path was made of beautiful flagstone.
  • He chose flagstone for the patio because of its natural look.

Examples of usage

  • The path was made of smooth, flat paving stones.
  • She walked carefully on the ancient pave.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Usage

  • The earliest known paved roads date back to ancient Mesopotamia, aiding in trade and transportation.
  • Roman engineers were famous for their stone-paved roads that connected various parts of the empire, many of which still exist today.
  • In medieval Europe, towns began paving streets to improve their marketplaces and trade routes.

Modern Context

  • In contemporary construction, asphalt and concrete are the primary materials used for paving roads and driveways.
  • Cities around the world invest in paving projects to enhance infrastructure and accessibility.
  • Pavement design has become an important field of study, focusing on sustainability and durability.

Cultural Significance

  • Paved pathways and roads often symbolize progress and civilization in art and literature.
  • In many cultures, ceremonial roads are paved to signify special occasions or sacred spaces.
  • The act of paving can also represent the creation of opportunities, as in the phrase 'paving the way for the future'.

Environmental Impact

  • Paving contributes to urban heat islands, affecting local climates and ecosystems.
  • Sustainable paving materials and permeable pavements help mitigate flooding and promote drainage.
  • Research is ongoing to find eco-friendly options for traditional paving materials to reduce environmental footprint.

Origin of 'pave'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'pave' comes from the Old French 'pavé', which means 'to cover with stones'.
  • It has roots in the Latin word 'pavimentum', which means 'a floor made of stones'.
  • The term evolved over the centuries to encompass a wider range of surfaces, not just stone.

The word 'pave' originates from the Middle English 'paven', which came from Old French 'paver', meaning 'to pave'. The concept of covering a surface with stones or concrete to make it suitable for walking or driving has been a practice for centuries, evolving from simple cobblestone paths to modern asphalt roads and concrete driveways.

See also: pavement, paver.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,695, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.