paces
/ˈpeɪsɪz/
NOUN
1. Steps taken while walking
Individual steps taken by a person or animal while walking, referring to the distance or movement covered with each step.
1.1. Walking steps and strides
Used to describe the individual steps or strides someone takes while walking, particularly in relation to distance, movement, or walking rhythm.
Synonyms
Examples
- She measured the distance by counting her paces along the garden path.
- His long paces carried him quickly across the room.
Related Words
NOUN
2. Manner or rhythm of walking
The characteristic manner, pattern, or rhythm in which someone or something walks.
2.1. Walking style and gait
Used to describe how a person or animal walks, including the rhythm, length, and manner of its steps.
Synonyms
Examples
- The horse's graceful paces impressed everyone at the show.
- The hikers adjusted their paces to accommodate the difficult terrain.
Related Words
- locomotion
- footfall
- stride
- movement
- walking pattern
- cadence
NOUN
3. Speed or rate of movement
The speed or rate at which someone or something moves, travels, or progresses.
3.1. Movement and travel speed
Used to describe the rate at which a person, animal, or vehicle moves from one place to another.
Synonyms
- speeds
- velocities
- rates
- rapidities
- tempos
Antonyms
Examples
- The runners maintained their individual paces throughout the competition.
- The vehicles traveled at different paces along the highway.
Related Words
- acceleration
- momentum
- motion
- movement
- quickness
- swiftness
VERB
4. Walking repeatedly back and forth
To walk repeatedly over a short distance, usually in a confined area, often because of nervousness, impatience, or deep thought.
4.1. Restless and anxious walking
Used when someone repeatedly walks back and forth in a limited area, often as an expression of anxiety, nervousness, impatience, or agitation.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The anxious patient paces in the waiting room, eager for news from the doctor.
- The teacher paces around the classroom during exams to deter cheating.
- As the storm approaches, the cat nervously paces back and forth.
Related Words
- restlessness
- anxiety
- agitation
- impatience
- nervousness
- uneasiness
VERB
5. Setting the speed of a race
To establish or regulate the speed at which a race or competitive activity proceeds.
5.1. Controlling racing speed
Used when runners or other competitors establish, regulate, or maintain a particular speed during a race.
Synonyms
- set the speed
- regulate
- control
- accelerate
- speed up
Antonyms
- slow down
- retard
- hold back
- delay
Examples
- The experienced runners pace the race to maintain a consistent speed.
- The athletes carefully regulate their speed during the opening laps.
Related Words
- race
- competition
- tempo
- endurance
- velocity
- performance
VERB
6. Measuring distance by walking
To determine the length or distance of an area by walking across it and counting the steps taken.
6.1. Measuring physical distances
Used when someone estimates the dimensions or length of an area by walking along it and counting their steps.
Synonyms
- measure
- step off
- mark out
Examples
- The workers pace the length of the field to estimate its dimensions.
- The farmer measures the boundaries of the land by walking across them.
Related Words
- measurement
- distance
- footsteps
- length
- surveying
- dimensions
NOUN
7. Passage or route
A route, path, or course through which someone travels or moves from one place to another.
7.1. Routes and passages
Used to refer to a way, passage, or route connecting places or providing a course for travel.
Synonyms
Examples
- The travelers followed several unfamiliar routes through the countryside.