First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1pace
noun \ˈpās\
: the speed at which someone or something moves
: the speed at which something happens
: a single step or the length of a single step
Full Definition of PACE
1
a : rate of movement; especially : an established rate of locomotion b : rate of progress; specifically : parallel rate of growth or development <supplies kept pace with demand> c : an example to be emulated; specifically : first place in a competition <three strokes off the pace — Time> d (1) : rate of performance or delivery : tempo <a steady pace> <on pace to set a record>; especially : speed <serves with great pace> <a pace bowler in cricket> (2) : rhythmic animation : fluency <writes with color, with zest, and with pace — Amy Loveman>
2
: a manner of walking : tread
3
a : step 2a(1) b : any of various units of distance based on the length of a human step
4
a plural : an exhibition or test of skills or capacities <the trainer put the tiger through its paces> b : gait; especially : a fast 2-beat gait (as of the horse) in which the legs move in lateral pairs and support the animal alternately on the right and left legs
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Origin of PACE
Middle English pas, from Anglo-French, stride, step, from Latin passus, from pandere to spread — more at fathom
Other Weights and Measures Terms
2pace
verb
: to walk back and forth across the same space again and again especially because you are nervous
: to control or set the speed of (someone or something)
pacedpac·ing
Full Definition of PACE
intransitive verb
1
a : to walk with often slow or measured tread b : to move along : proceed
2
: to go at a pace —used especially of a horse
transitive verb
1
a : to measure by pacing —often used with off <paced off a 10-yard penalty> b : to cover at a walk <could hear him pacing the floor>
2
: to cover (a course) by pacing —used of a horse
3
See pace defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PACE
1513
3pace
preposition pa·ce \ˈpā-(ˌ)sē; ˈpä-(ˌ)chā, -(ˌ)kā\
Definition of PACE
: contrary to the opinion of —usually used as an expression of deference to someone's contrary opinion —usually ital. <easiness is a virtue in grammar, pace old-fashioned grammarians — Philip Howard>
Origin of PACE
Latin, abl. of pac-, pax peace, permission — more at pact
First Known Use: 1863
PACE[1] Defined for Kids
1pace
noun \ˈpās\
Definition of PACE for Kids
1
: the speed of moving forward or ahead
2
: the speed at which something is done or happens <The pace of production needs to increase.>
3
: a horse's gait in which the legs on the same side move at the same time
4
: a single step or its length
2pace
verb
pacedpac·ing
Definition of PACE for Kids
1
: to walk back and forth across <The nervous man began pacing the floor.>
2
: to walk with slow steps
3
: to measure by steps <We paced off the length of the garden.>
4
: to set or regulate the speed at which something is done or happens <You have to pace yourself when exercising.>
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