pace
Plural
paces
1
a person's speed when walking, moving, or running
- The runner maintained a steady pace throughout the marathon, ensuring they did not tire out too quickly.
- The pace of the project was too slow, causing delays in the overall timeline.
- She adjusted her walking pace to match that of her companion during their hike.
- They set a brisk pace for their daily walk, aiming to get their heart rates up.
Synonyms:
2
a measure of length that equals the distance traveled between two steps during a walk
- A pace is a traditional unit of length equal to the distance covered by a single step or stride.
- Soldiers and hikers often use pacing to estimate distances when navigating terrain without instruments.
- The average pace for an adult is about 2.5 feet or 0.76 meters, but it can vary depending on stride length.
- In ancient Rome, a double pace, or "passus," was used as a unit of measure, equivalent to approximately 5 Roman feet.
- Track and field athletes may measure distances in paces during training to monitor and improve their performance over specific distances.
3
the rate or speed at which something progresses or changes
- The pace of technological innovation has accelerated rapidly over the past decade.
- The pace of the conversation slowed as they delved into deeper topics.
- The project moved at a steady pace, meeting all the deadlines.
Synonyms:
5
a unit of distance, traditionally considered the length of an average stride, equal to 3 feet or 91.44 centimeters
- The wall was ten paces long.
- He advanced fifty paces before stopping.
- The gladiator arena measured 200 paces across.
- Measure four paces to the next tree.
- The distance from the house to the gate was thirty paces.
Synonyms:
6
speed at which an action or process occurs
- The pace of the music was slow and dreamy.
- He couldn't keep up with the pace of work in the office.
- Increase the pace of production to meet the deadline.
- She liked the relaxed pace of village life.
- The pace of technological change is astonishing.
Synonyms:
7
the speed at which a narrative unfolds and how it affects audience engagement
Pace refers to the speed at which a story unfolds or progresses. It determines how quickly or slowly events, actions, and scenes occur within the narrative. A fast pace can create excitement and tension, while a slower pace allows for more detailed exploration of characters, themes, or settings. Controlling the pace helps to maintain the audience's interest and balance action with moments of reflection or development.
- The film's pace keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
- A slow pace allowed for deep character development.
- Action scenes increased the pace dramatically.
- The novel's pace was uneven in the middle chapters.
- Maintaining a steady pace is crucial for thrillers.
8
the distance between two consecutive steps or risers in staircases
- The stairs were built three paces apart.
- Each pace was carefully measured for comfort.
- Roman architects standardized the pace in their constructions.
- The temple's grand staircase had fifty paces.
- The Byzantine hall used a pace of roughly 0.9 meters.
9
a courtyard or open area within a building complex
A pace is a small, open area surrounded by buildings or walls, often found within urban environments or between structures. It is typically a quiet, enclosed space that may serve as a gathering area, a passageway, or simply a place for relaxation. These spaces are often tucked away from busy streets, offering a sense of privacy and calm within the hustle of a city. A pace may feature benches, plants, or decorative elements, making it an inviting spot for those who wish to take a break or enjoy some fresh air.
- Children played in the central pace of the monastery.
- The café overlooked a quaint pace between houses.
- Ancient villas often had a pace at the center.
- The soldiers assembled in the pace before the barracks.
- Sunlight poured into the pace, warming the courtyard.