pave: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral (common in both written and spoken contexts)
Quick answer
What does “pave” mean?
To cover a surface, especially a road or path, with flat stones, concrete, or asphalt to make it suitable for travel.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To cover a surface, especially a road or path, with flat stones, concrete, or asphalt to make it suitable for travel.
To prepare or make easier the way for something to happen or for someone to achieve something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Minor spelling differences in related words (e.g., 'pavement' (UK) vs. 'sidewalk' (US); 'tarmac' common in UK).
Connotations
Identical. Both use the literal and figurative senses equally.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties, though specific collocations with 'pavement'/'sidewalk' vary.
Grammar
How to Use “pave” in a Sentence
[SUBJ] + pave + [OBJ] (e.g., They paved the road.)[SUBJ] + pave + [OBJ] + with + [MATERIAL] (e.g., They paved the patio with brick.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pave” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council plans to pave the muddy footpath next month.
- His early work in genetics paved the way for future breakthroughs.
American English
- The city paved our street with asphalt last summer.
- The new treaty paves the way for increased trade.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used as standalone adverb. Typically appears in compounds like 'newly-paved'.)
American English
- (Rarely used as standalone adverb. Typically appears in compounds like 'freshly-paved'.)
adjective
British English
- The newly paved area outside the station is much smoother.
- A paved courtyard is easier to maintain than grass.
American English
- We're having a paved patio installed in the backyard.
- The paved walkway leads to the main entrance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used figuratively: 'The merger paves the way for expansion into Asia.'
Academic
Used in history/urban studies: 'Romans paved roads to facilitate military movement.'
Everyday
Literal: 'The council is finally going to pave our lane.' Figurative: 'His research paved the way for the new vaccine.'
Technical
Used in civil engineering/construction specifications.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pave”
- Incorrect: *'They paved the way to him becoming president.' Correct: 'They paved the way for him to become president.'
- Incorrect use of article: *'They paved way for change.' Correct: 'They paved the way for change.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Pave' is the general verb for covering a surface. 'Asphalt' and 'tarmac' are specific materials (bitumen mixed with aggregate) used for paving. 'Tarmac' is a proprietary name more common in the UK.
No. While most common for roads, driveways, and paths, it can be used for any surface meant for foot or vehicle traffic, like patios, courtyards, or airport runways.
Yes, in the figurative sense. 'Pave the way for' can introduce something negative, e.g., 'The new law paves the way for increased surveillance.'
The most direct noun is 'paving' (the material or the act). A 'pavement' (UK)/'sidewalk' (US) is a paved path for pedestrians. A 'paver' is a person or machine that paves, or a stone used for paving.
To cover a surface, especially a road or path, with flat stones, concrete, or asphalt to make it suitable for travel.
Pave is usually neutral (common in both written and spoken contexts) in register.
Pave: in British English it is pronounced /peɪv/, and in American English it is pronounced /peɪv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pave the way for (someone/something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PAinter with a VEhicle. A painter uses a roller to cover a wall smoothly; to PAVE is to cover a road smoothly so vehicles can drive on it.
Conceptual Metaphor
PREPARATION/ADVANCEMENT IS PAVING A PATH (e.g., 'pave the way for success').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the correct figurative use of 'pave'?