Dictionary

1pay

verb \ˈpā\
paid \ˈpād\ also in sense 7 payedpay·ing

Definition of PAY

transitive verb
1
a :  to make due return to for services rendered or property delivered
b :  to engage for money :  hire <you couldn't pay me to do that>
2
a :  to give in return for goods or service <pay wages>
b :  to discharge indebtedness for :  settle <pay a bill>
c :  to make a disposal or transfer of (money)
3
:  to give or forfeit in expiation or retribution <pay the penalty>
4
a :  to make compensation for
b :  to requite according to what is deserved <pay them back>
5
:  to give, offer, or make freely or as fitting <pay attention> <pay your respects>
6
a :  to return value or profit to <it pays you to stay open>
b :  to bring in as a return <an investment paying five percent>
7
:  to slacken (as a rope) and allow to run out —used with out
intransitive verb
1
:  to discharge a debt or obligation
2
:  to be worth the expense or effort <crime doesn't pay>
3
:  to suffer the consequences of an act
pay one's dues
1
:  to earn a right or position through experience, suffering, or hard work
2
also pay dues :  pay vi vi 3
pay one's way or pay one's own way
:  to pay one's share of expenses
pay the piper
:  to bear the cost of something
pay through the nose
:  to pay exorbitantly or dearly
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Origin of PAY

Middle English, from Anglo-French paier, from Latin pacare to pacify, from pac-, pax peace
First Known Use: 13th century

Synonym Discussion of PAY

pay, compensate, remunerate, satisfy, reimburse, indemnify, repay, recompense mean to give money or its equivalent in return for something. pay implies the discharge of an obligation incurred <paid their bills>. compensate implies a making up for services rendered <an attorney well compensated for her services>. remunerate clearly suggests paying for services rendered and may extend to payment that is generous or not contracted for <promised to remunerate the searchers handsomely>. satisfy implies paying a person what is required by law <all creditors will be satisfied in full>. reimburse implies a return of money that has been spent for another's benefit <reimbursed employees for expenses>. indemnify implies making good a loss suffered through accident, disaster, or warfare <indemnified the families of the dead miners>. repay stresses paying back an equivalent in kind or amount <repay a favor with a favor>. recompense suggests due return in amends, friendly repayment, or reward <passengers were recompensed for the delay>.

2pay

noun

: money received in exchange for work : money paid to someone for doing work

Full Definition of PAY

1
:  something paid for a purpose and especially as a salary or wage :  remuneration
2
a :  the act or fact of paying or being paid
b :  the status of being paid by an employer :  employ
3
:  a person viewed with respect to reliability or promptness in paying debts or bills
4
a :  ore or a natural deposit that yields metal and especially gold in profitable amounts
b :  an oil-yielding stratum or zone

First Known Use of PAY

14th century

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite

3pay

adjective

Definition of PAY

1
:  containing or leading to something precious or valuable
2
:  equipped with a coin slot for receiving a fee for use <a pay telephone>
3
:  requiring payment

First Known Use of PAY

1856

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite

4pay

verb
payed also paidpay·ing

Definition of PAY

transitive verb
:  to coat with a waterproof composition

Origin of PAY

obsolete French peier, from Latin picare, from pic-, pix pitch — more at pitch
First Known Use: 1610
PAYING Defined for Kids

1pay

verb \ˈpā\
paid \ˈpād\pay·ing

Definition of PAY for Kids

1
:  to give (as money) in return for services received or for something bought <Pay the taxi driver.> <I paid for a ticket.>
2
:  to give money for (something owed) <I have to pay the rent.>
3
:  to get even with <She wants to pay them back for the insult.>
4
:  to give or offer freely <pay a compliment> <pay attention>
5
:  to have a worthwhile result :  be worth the effort or pains required <It pays to drive carefully.>
pay·er noun
pay off
1
:  to give all of what is owed <It felt good to pay off a debt.>
2
:  to have a good result <Hours of practice paid off in a successful show.>
pay up
:  to pay in full especially debts that are due

2pay

noun

Definition of PAY for Kids

1
:  the act of giving money for something bought or used or for what is owed :  payment
2
:  salary <My mother got an increase in pay.>

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