pace

Intransitive VerbTransitive Verb[C/U] Both

Pace focuses on rhythm and consistency rather than raw speed. While "speed" is a measurement of how fast something goes, "pace" implies a sustainable rate or a deliberate cadence maintained over time. When used as an action (pacing), it carries a strong psychological weight. It often suggests anxiety, anticipation, or intense concentration, evoking the image of someone trapped in a small space or lost in thought. In a physical measurement context, it transforms a human movement into a tool for estimation, suggesting an informal but practical way of gauging distance.

Countable when referring to individual steps taken ('He took ten paces forward'). Uncountable when referring to the overall speed or tempo of an activity ('The pace of the movie was too slow').

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Chloe is in the library stressing over a deadline while Ryan is at home gaming.

Chloe Smith

I'm totally spiraling. I can't keep up with this pace.

Ryan

bet. just take a breather

💡

Chloe uses 'pace' to refer to the speed of her academic workload. Ryan responds with 'bet', a slang term used here as a casual acknowledgment, demonstrating his oblivious and low-effort communication style compared to Chloe's anxiety.

Meanings

Noun

The speed at which someone or something moves, walks, or runs.

"She maintained a steady pace throughout the marathon."

Noun

A single step taken while walking.

"He took a few paces back from the edge of the cliff."

Intransitive Verb

To walk with slow or regular steps, often due to nervousness or deep thought.

"The director paced the room while waiting for the actors to arrive."

Transitive Verb

To walk a distance repeatedly; to measure a distance by counting one's steps.

"He paced out the length of the garden to see if the fence would fit."

Last Updated: May 24, 2026•Report an Error