# pacing

/ˈpeɪsɪŋ/ (US) · /pˈeɪsɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pacing
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. speed of a story or event

noun · CEFR B2

the speed at which a story, film, or piece of music develops.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. walking back and forth

noun · CEFR B2

the act of walking back and forth, usually because you are nervous or waiting.

For teachers: 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'.

### 3. controlling your speed

verb · CEFR B2

to control the speed of what you are doing so you have energy to finish.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- The movie is good, but the pacing feels a bit slow.
- The novel's fast pacing keeps readers engaged, though some critics feel the character development suffers as a result.
- 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.

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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.