Pay Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pay
[peɪ ]
Definitions
money transaction
To give someone money for goods or services.
Synonyms
compensate, remunerate, settle.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pay |
Used in everyday situations when giving money in exchange for goods or services.
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| settle |
Often used when finalizing or resolving a financial transaction or debt.
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| compensate |
Used in formal or business contexts to refer to providing money or other benefits in recognition of loss, suffering, or services.
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| remunerate |
Used in a formal context to describe the act of paying someone for work they have done, often used in legal or business documents.
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Examples of usage
- I need to pay the bill before we leave the restaurant.
- She pays her employees every two weeks.
- We can pay for the tickets online.
wage
Money received for work done.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pay |
General term for the money received for work done in various job categories.
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| salary |
Specifically refers to a fixed regular payment, typically paid monthly or biweekly, often expressed as an annual amount. It is commonly used for professional or office jobs.
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| wage |
Typically refers to hourly or daily payment for labor or services, and is often associated with manual or unskilled work. Wages can vary greatly based on the amount of work completed.
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| compensation |
Often used in a more formal or technical context to describe the overall payment and benefits received by an employee, which may include salary, bonuses, and other perks.
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Examples of usage
- He received a good pay for his overtime.
- She negotiated a higher pay with her employer.
- The company offers competitive pay to its employees.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Economics
- Payment can be made in various forms, including cash, credit, and digital currencies like Bitcoin.
- Different cultures have unique methods of payment; for example, bartering was a common practice before money was invented.
Psychology
- Research shows that the way we pay can affect our perception of value; paying with cash feels different emotionally than using a credit card.
- Some studies suggest that spending money activates the brain's reward centers, comparable to the effect of certain pleasurable activities.
Cultural Practices
- In many cultures, tipping is an expected part of payment, especially in restaurants, as a way to show appreciation for service.
- Rituals around the act of paying can be significant in various societies, including celebrations of buying a first home or car.
Pop Culture
- Songs and movies often feature themes of love and payments, symbolizing sacrifices made for relationships.
- The phrase 'pay it forward' gained popularity in the early 2000s, embodying the idea of kindness and giving beyond mere transactions.
Origin of 'pay'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'paier,' which means 'to satisfy or appease' people with payment.
- Its roots link back to the Latin 'pacare,' meaning 'to appease,' showing a deep connection to fulfilling obligations.
The word 'pay' originated from the Old French word 'paier' meaning 'to pay, to satisfy a debt'. It has been used in English since the 13th century. The concept of payment has been an integral part of human society since the beginning of trade and commerce, evolving from barter systems to the use of coins, paper money, and digital transactions.
See also: nonpayer, nonpayment, payable, payback, payee, payer, paymaster, payment, payments, payoff, payor, paywise, repay, repayment, spay.