Pace Meaning

UK /peɪs/
US /peɪs/
Word Definition
pace meaning

Pace Definition & Usage

noun

The speed or rate at which something happens or is done.

Examples

  • "The pace of technological change has accelerated in the last decade."
  • "We can't keep up with the pace of the competition."
  • "At this pace, we will finish the project in two weeks."
  • "She set a quick pace during the hike, and the group struggled to keep up."
  • "The pace of the game slowed down in the second half as both teams focused on defense."
noun

A steady, consistent speed at which someone walks or runs.

Examples

  • "He tried to match her pace during the run, but soon fell behind."
  • "I prefer to set my own pace when walking through the park."
  • "At a leisurely pace, they walked along the beach, enjoying the sunset."
  • "The pace of the marathon was grueling for many of the participants."
  • "She set a brisk pace for her morning jog, aiming to improve her fitness."
verb

To determine or regulate the speed of something or someone.

Examples

  • "He paced the room nervously before the interview."
  • "You need to pace yourself during the exam to avoid running out of time."
  • "She paced her speech carefully, ensuring each point was clear."
  • "They paced their work schedule to ensure they met the deadline."
  • "The coach instructed the runners to pace themselves throughout the race."

Cultural Context

The word 'pace' has its origins in the Latin word 'passus', meaning 'step'. Over time, it evolved to refer to the rate at which something occurs, including the rhythm of walking or running. It is commonly used in sports, business, and general conversation about speed or tempo.

The Long Race

Story

The Long Race

Jenna had always been the type to rush through life, juggling work, social events, and her personal goals at a frantic pace. One morning, as she was lacing up her sneakers for a run, her older brother Mark, a seasoned marathoner, offered a piece of advice. ‘Remember, it’s not always about going fast,’ he said with a smile. ‘You need to find your pace, the one that you can sustain without burning out.’ Jenna rolled her eyes, thinking of herself as someone who could easily handle anything. But Mark’s words stuck with her as she set off on her run. At first, she sprinted, hoping to finish quickly. However, her energy quickly waned. Halfway through, she slowed to a walk, her breath heavy, and realized that she hadn’t paced herself at all. The next time she ran, she decided to try something different. Instead of rushing, she focused on her breathing and took steady, consistent steps. She was surprised to find that she could go much farther this way. It wasn’t about speed—it was about sustaining a pace that allowed her to go the distance. At work, Jenna applied the same strategy. She had been struggling to meet a looming deadline for a project, trying to work in bursts of intense effort. Her manager, noticing her stress, suggested she pace herself through the task. She broke the project into smaller chunks, working at a steady pace rather than all at once. As a result, the quality of her work improved, and she felt more in control. By the end of the week, Jenna realized that the concept of pace wasn’t just about running—it applied to every aspect of life. In relationships, at work, and in her personal ambitions, pacing herself allowed her to achieve her goals without feeling overwhelmed. She was no longer in a rush; instead, she had found her rhythm. And for the first time in a long while, she felt at peace with the pace of her life.

The Long Race