Word
pacing
Phoneticspac·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpeɪsɪŋ/
UK/pˈeɪsɪŋ/
Definitions
01speed of a story or event
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the speed at which a story, film, or piece of music develops.
n. the rhythmic speed or rate at which a narrative or artistic work unfolds.
“The movie was interesting, but the pacing was a bit slow in the middle.”
“Critics praised the novel's relentless pacing, noting that the author managed to maintain tension without exhausting the reader.”
Usage
Often used when discussing films, books, or public speeches.
02walking back and forth
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of walking back and forth, usually because you are nervous or waiting.
n. the act of walking with slow, regular steps, often indicative of anxiety or deep thought.
“His constant pacing in the hallway showed how worried he was about the news.”
“The sound of rhythmic pacing from the room above suggested that the professor was struggling with a difficult problem.”
Usage
Frequently appears as 'pacing up and down' or 'pacing the floor'.
03controlling your speed
B2 · Upper Intermediate Sports
v. to control the speed of what you are doing so you have energy to finish.
v. to regulate one's speed or effort to ensure steady progress or to avoid premature exhaustion.
“When running a marathon, pacing yourself is the most important thing to remember.”
“By carefully pacing her delivery, the orator ensured that the most impactful points of her argument coincided with the audience's peak attention.”
Usage
Commonly used in the reflexive form 'pacing yourself'.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Audiences loved the character, which had as much to do with Cameron’s expert pacing as the effects.” “The difference between training that keeps older workers on the job and training that pushes them out often comes down to pacing.” Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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