military pace: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical (Military), Formal, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “military pace” mean?
A standard, regulated marching speed used by soldiers, traditionally defined as 120 steps of 30 inches each per minute (equivalent to 2.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A standard, regulated marching speed used by soldiers, traditionally defined as 120 steps of 30 inches each per minute (equivalent to 2.5 mph or 4 km/h).
Any measured, deliberate, and consistent walking speed; can metaphorically describe a brisk, purposeful manner of movement or proceeding with disciplined regularity in non-military contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The specific step length might historically vary slightly between forces, but the concept is identical. The figurative use is equally understood.
Connotations
Connotes discipline, tradition, and measured action in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English due to stronger historical military tradition in public discourse, but the difference is minimal.
Grammar
How to Use “military pace” in a Sentence
[verb] + at + a + military pacemaintain/keep + a + military paceset + a + military pace + for + [noun]march/proceed + at + military paceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “military pace” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The sergeant major paced the square, inspecting the troops.
- They were paced by a veteran drill instructor.
American English
- The commander paced the recruits for the first mile.
- Their progress was paced by the unit ahead.
adverb
British English
- The column moved military-pace up the hill. (Rare/Figurative)
- He worked military-pace through the paperwork.
American English
- They advanced military-pace toward the objective. (Rare/Figurative)
- The team processed claims military-pace.
adjective
British English
- The military-pace standard is drilled into every recruit.
- He kept a military-pace rhythm throughout the hike.
American English
- They adopted a military-pace tempo for the charity march.
- Her military-pace efficiency cleared the backlog.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically: 'The project advanced at a military pace, hitting every deadline.'
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or military studies when describing drill, logistics, or movement of troops.
Everyday
Very rare. If used, it's figurative: 'She cleaned the house at a military pace.'
Technical
Primary context. Precise term in military training, field manuals, and historical re-enactment.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “military pace”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “military pace”
- Using 'military pace' to simply mean 'fast' (it implies regulated, not necessarily top speed). Incorrect: 'He ran a military pace to catch the bus.' Correct: 'He covered the long distance at a steady military pace.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Military pace' or 'quick time' is the standard marching pace (~120 steps/min). 'Double time' is a specific, faster pace (~180 steps/min) used for rapid movement.
Yes, but typically in a figurative or descriptive way to denote a brisk, disciplined, and steady speed of action or movement, not a precise step count.
Using the traditional US/UK standard of 120 steps of 30 inches per minute, it equals exactly 2.5 miles per hour (about 4 kilometres per hour).
No, it is a low-frequency term. It is most common in military, historical, or specific figurative contexts. Most everyday speakers would say 'a brisk walk' or 'a steady pace' instead.
A standard, regulated marching speed used by soldiers, traditionally defined as 120 steps of 30 inches each per minute (equivalent to 2.
Military pace is usually technical (military), formal, figurative in register.
Military pace: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪl.ɪ.tri peɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪl.ə.ter.i peɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “At a military pace (meaning: with disciplined speed and regularity)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a METRONOME set to 120 beats per minute, ticking like a clock, keeping soldiers in lock-step. Military = Metronome Pace.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS FORWARD MOTION; DISCIPLINE IS REGULATED MOVEMENT.
Practice
Quiz
In its technical sense, 'military pace' primarily refers to: