ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pacing

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈpeɪsɪŋ// UK //pˈeɪsɪŋ// pac·ing

n. the speed at which a story, a piece of music, or an event happens. You use this to describe if something feels too fast or too slow.

n. the speed or rhythm at which a narrative, performance, or sequence of events unfolds. Often used in literary or cinematic criticism to evaluate the distribution of action and exposition.


SIMPLE

The movie is good, but the pacing feels a bit slow.

CONTEXTUAL

The novel's fast pacing keeps readers engaged, though some critics feel the character development suffers as a result.

COMPLEX

Effective dramatic pacing requires a careful balance between high-intensity action sequences and quieter, introspective moments that allow the audience to process the emotional stakes of the plot.

Synonyms
Usage

Often modified by adjectives like 'fast', 'slow', or 'brisk'.

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