pace
B2Neutral, used in both formal and informal contexts, with the prepositional use being formal.
Definition
Meaning
A single step taken when walking or running; the speed at which someone or something moves, or at which something happens or develops.
The style or rate of movement or progress; used as a preposition meaning "with due respect to" when expressing polite disagreement; used as a verb meaning to walk at a steady, measured rate, especially back and forth.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is highly polysemous, bridging concrete (steps) and abstract (speed of progress) domains. As a verb, it often implies controlled, anxious, or thoughtful movement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. The prepositional meaning ('pace Mr. Smith') is more common in formal British academic/legal writing than in American, though understood. The verb form is equally common.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Core meanings are equally frequent. The 'set the pace' idiom is common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
pace + [prepositional phrase] (pace around the room)pace + [distance] (pace ten metres)pace + [object] + [adverbial] (pace oneself carefully)[subject] + keep pace with + [object]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “set the pace”
- “keep pace with”
- “change of pace”
- “put someone through their paces”
- “off the pace (in racing)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The company struggled to keep pace with technological innovation." (rate of change/development)
Academic
"Pace Foucault, the author argues for a different interpretation of power." (formal preposition, 'with due respect to')
Everyday
"He walks at such a fast pace I can hardly keep up." (walking speed)
Technical
"The runner's average pace was 4 minutes per kilometre." (sports/metric)
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He paced the platform anxiously, waiting for the train.
- You need to pace yourself during the marathon to avoid burning out early.
American English
- She paced back and forth in her office before the big call.
- The coach told him to pace his studying over the week, not cram the night before.
adverb
British English
- N/A - 'Pace' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - 'Pace' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - 'Pace' is not standardly used as an adjective. 'Paced' is a participial adjective (e.g., 'fast-paced').
American English
- N/A - 'Pace' is not standardly used as an adjective. 'Paced' is a participial adjective (e.g., 'slow-paced').
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The old man walks at a slow pace.
- Please take two paces forward.
- The pace of life in the city is very fast.
- He kept up a steady pace for the whole run.
- The government must increase the pace of reforms.
- She paced the room, trying to find the right words.
- Pace the previous speaker, the evidence suggests a more nuanced conclusion.
- The film's frenetic pace mirrors the protagonist's inner turmoil.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PACEmaker, a device that sets the steady rhythm for a heart, just like 'pace' sets the rhythm for walking or progress.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS MOTION ALONG A PATH; THE RATE OF PROGRESS IS SPEED. (e.g., 'the pace of negotiations quickened').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "peace" (мир). They are homophones but unrelated.
- "Pace" as a noun is often translated as темп or скорость, not шаг, when referring to rate.
- "To pace" as a verb is not просто идти, but ходить взад-вперёд или выдерживать скорость.
Common Mistakes
- Using "pace" to mean "peace". (Homophone error)
- Using the preposition "pace" in informal contexts.
- Confusing "pace" (speed) with "path" (route).
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'Pace the traditionalists, this approach is fundamentally flawed,' what is the function of 'pace'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very close synonyms, but 'pace' often implies a consistent, sustainable rate (like in running), while 'speed' is more general and can imply a peak or instantaneous rate.
It typically means to walk steadily or measuredly, often in agitation or deep thought (e.g., 'pace the floor'). It can also mean to set the speed for something (e.g., 'pace yourself').
It is a Latin borrowing used as a preposition to mean 'with due respect to' or 'with apologies to'. It signals polite disagreement with the person named.
'Keep pace with' is very common, meaning to progress or move at the same speed as someone or something else (e.g., 'Wages failed to keep pace with inflation').