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pave

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈpeɪv// UK //pˈeɪv// pave

v. to cover a path or road with a hard, flat surface like stone, brick, or concrete. This makes the ground smooth and easy to walk or drive on.

v. to cover a surface, such as a road or walkway, with durable material like stone, asphalt, or concrete. Often used figuratively in the phrase 'pave the way' to describe making future progress possible.


SIMPLE

The workers will pave the driveway tomorrow.

CONTEXTUAL

The city decided to pave the old dirt road to improve access for local residents during the rainy season.

COMPLEX

By investing heavily in renewable energy research, the government hopes to pave the way for a sustainable economy that no longer relies on fossil fuels.

Origin

From Old French paver (“to pave, to cover”), from Vulgar Latin *pavāre (“to beat down, to smash”), from Latin pavīre (“to beat, strike, ram, tread down”).

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object representing the surface being covered.

Pitfall

pave with stones the roadpave the road with stonesThe direct object (the road) should immediately follow the verb before the prepositional phrase describing the material.

Idioms2 entries

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