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pay

n. uncountable
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈpeɪ// UK //pˈeɪ// pay Archaic General-service

n. the money you receive for doing your job. It is the regular amount an employer gives you for your work.

n. remuneration provided in exchange for labor or services. Often used as a collective term for wages or salary.


SIMPLE

The workers are asking for better pay and shorter hours.

CONTEXTUAL

After the promotion, her monthly pay increased enough to cover the cost of a new car.

COMPLEX

Discrepancies in pay between entry-level staff and senior management often become a focal point during annual union negotiations regarding the cost of living.

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Etymology 1

From Middle English payen, from Old French paiier (“pay”), from Medieval Latin pācāre (“to settle, satisfy”) from Latin pācāre (“to pacify”). In this sense, displaced native Old English ġield (“pay”) and ġieldan (“to pay”), whence Modern English yield.

Etymology 2

From Old French peier, from Latin picāre (“to cover with pitch”).

Pitfall

He receives a good pay.He receives good pay.As an uncountable noun referring to salary, it does not take an indefinite article.

Idioms20 entries

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