I . *pace
/ peɪs; NAmE / noun , verb
—see also pace (II)
■ noun
1.
[ sing. , U ] the speed at which sb/sth walks, runs or moves :
to set off at a steady / gentle / leisurely pace
Congestion frequently reduces traffic to walking pace .
The ball gathered pace as it rolled down the hill.
The runners have noticeably quickened their pace.
2.
[ sing. , U ] pace (of sth) the speed at which sth happens :
It is difficult to keep up with the rapid pace of change.
We encourage all students to work at their own pace (= as fast or as slow as they can) .
I prefer the relaxed pace of life in the country.
Rumours of corruption and scandal gathered pace (= increased in number) .
3.
[ C ] an act of stepping once when walking or running; the distance travelled when doing this
SYN step :
She took two paces forward.
4.
[ U ] the fact of sth happening, changing, etc. quickly :
He gave up his job in advertising because he couldn't stand the pace .
The novel lacks pace (= it develops too slowly) .
—see also pacy
•
IDIOMS
- go through your paces | show your paces
- keep pace (with sb/sth)
- off the pace
- put sb/sth through their / its paces
- set the pace
—more at force verb , snail
■ verb
1.
to walk up and down in a small area many times, especially because you are feeling nervous or angry :
[ v + adv. / prep. ]
She paced up and down outside the room.
[ vn ]
Ted paced the floor restlessly.
2.
[ vn ] to set the speed at which sth happens or develops :
He paced his game skilfully.
3.
[ vn ] pace yourself to find the right speed or rhythm for your work or an activity so that you have enough energy to do what you have to do :
He'll have to learn to pace himself in this job.
•
PHRASAL VERBS
- pace sth off / out
II . pace
/ ˈpɑːkeɪ; NAmE ; ˈpɑːtʃeɪ; ˈpeɪsi/ preposition
(from Latin , formal ) used before a person's name to express polite disagreement with what they have said :
The evidence suggests, pace Professor Jones, that ... (= Professor Jones has a different opinion) .
—see also pace (I)
••
WORD ORIGIN
I . Middle English : from Old French pas , from Latin passus stretch (of the leg), from pandere to stretch.
II . Latin , literally in peace , ablative of pax , as in pace tua by your leave.