# pace

/ˈpeɪs/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pace
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. speed of movement

noun · CEFR B1

the speed at which someone walks, runs, or moves.

For teachers: the rate of speed at which an individual walks, runs, or moves.

- We walked at a fast pace to reach the station before the train left.
- The marathon runner maintained a steady pace for the first twenty miles, conserving energy for a final sprint toward the finish line.

### 2. rate of progress

noun · CEFR B2

the speed at which something happens or develops.

For teachers: the speed at which an activity or process unfolds or develops.

- The pace of modern life can be very stressful for some people.
- Technological innovation is moving at such a relentless pace that regulatory frameworks often struggle to remain relevant.

### 3. a single step

noun · CEFR B2

a single step taken when walking.

For teachers: a single step in walking or running, often used as a rough unit of measurement for distance.

- He took a few paces toward the window to get a better view.
- The duellists were instructed to stand back-to-back and walk ten paces before turning to face one another.

### 4. to walk nervously

verb · CEFR B2

to walk back and forth in a small area, often because you are worried or waiting.

For teachers: to walk with regular steps back and forth across a limited area, typically as an expression of anxiety or deep thought.

- She paced the hospital waiting room while she waited for news.
- The expectant father paced the length of the corridor, his footsteps echoing rhythmically against the linoleum floor.

### 5. to control speed

verb · CEFR B2

to do something at a steady speed so you do not get tired too quickly.

For teachers: to regulate the speed of an activity or oneself to ensure consistent progress or to avoid premature exhaustion.

- You need to pace yourself during the long hike so you have energy for the climb.
- The experienced cyclist knew how to pace her ascent, ensuring she didn't deplete her oxygen reserves before reaching the summit.

### 6. respectful disagreement

preposition · CEFR C2 · Formal · Academic

a very formal way to say 'with respect to' when you disagree with someone.

For teachers: used to express polite or respectful disagreement with a person or their opinion.

- Pace the professor, I believe the data suggests a different conclusion.
- Pace the eminent historian, recent archaeological findings suggest that the fortification was actually constructed several decades later than previously assumed.

Usage: Usually placed at the beginning of a clause or phrase, followed by the name of the person being disagreed with.

## Examples

- She walked at a fast pace to catch the bus.
- The project is moving at a slow pace because we are waiting for the final budget approval.
- The marathon runner maintained a steady pace for the first twenty miles, carefully managing his energy reserves before the final sprint toward the finish line.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.