Paced

/peɪst/ verb

Definition

To walk back and forth in a steady rhythm, usually because you're thinking or waiting anxiously, or to set a particular speed for something.

Etymology

From the noun 'pace,' which comes from Latin 'passus' (a step). The verb emerged in Middle English to mean 'to walk in measured steps.' The '-ed' ending makes it past tense.

Kelly Says

The word 'pace' shows up everywhere in English because of its Latin root—you can pace a room, set the pace of a race, or make peace (which has the same Latin root 'passus'). Medieval soldiers literally measured distances by counting their steps!

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