pacing
/ˈpeɪsɪŋ/
VERB
1. Walking back and forth repeatedly
The act of walking repeatedly over a short distance, often because of nervousness, impatience, or deep thought.
1.1. Walking restlessly back and forth
Moving repeatedly from one place to another over a short distance, especially while feeling anxious, worried, or impatient.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- sitting
- standing
- remaining
- staying
Examples
- The nervous student was pacing outside the examination room while waiting for the results.
- He spent the evening pacing back and forth across the living room.
Related Words
VERB
2. Setting or maintaining a speed
The act of controlling or maintaining the speed at which someone or something moves, performs, or progresses.
2.1. Controlling speed in a race
Setting or maintaining a particular speed during a race or physical activity to achieve an effective performance.
Synonyms
- regulating
- controlling
- setting
- maintaining
Antonyms
- accelerating
- decelerating
- slowing
- stopping
Examples
- The experienced runner was pacing herself carefully during the marathon.
- The leading cyclist was pacing the group to maintain a steady speed.
Related Words
VERB
3. Measuring distance by walking
The act of measuring a distance by counting or estimating the length of steps taken while walking.
3.1. Measuring a distance with steps
Determining the length or extent of an area by walking across it and estimating the distance covered.
Synonyms
- measuring
- striding
- stepping
Examples
- The surveyor was pacing the field to estimate its dimensions.
- He was pacing the distance between the two markers before placing the fence.
Related Words
- step
- stride
- footstep
- distance
- measurement
NOUN
4. The rate or rhythm of movement or progression
The speed, rhythm, or timing at which movement, activity, events, or a process develops.
4.1. Speed or rhythm of progress
The rate at which an activity, process, or sequence of events unfolds or develops.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The director adjusted the pacing of the film to maintain suspense throughout the story.
- The teacher changed the pacing of the lesson to give students more time to understand the material.
Related Words
4.2. Repeated walking movements
The act or pattern of walking with measured steps, especially when moving repeatedly over a limited area.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- sitting
- standing
- stillness
Examples
- The guard's pacing along the corridor could be heard throughout the night.
- Her restless pacing was a clear sign of her impatience.
Related Words
- footsteps
- gait
- stride
- movement
- locomotion