What does "pay the respect" mean? Does it have the same meaning as "showing respect" to someone?

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

It is similar to "showing respect"! When you "pay your respect" to someone, you usually visit them out of respect. You do this when someone is new in the neighborhood, and you want to meet them. Or, you go to a new head departments office to meet them, or if someone dies, you pay respect to their family by visiting them and maybe bringing a gift. It's an acknowledgment of something by seeing or visiting them. It's a way of showing respect. Ex: Tim, we should go pay our respects to the new neighbors next door. Ex: The Smith family was very kind. They came to pay their respects when my Grandma passed away.

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Popular Q&As

08/03

1
Can you explain me about the expression "could use"? Does it mean "need"?
Yes, "could use" means "needs". It is used when someone really needs something specific. Ex: I could use a glass of water right now, I'm really thirsty. Ex: She could use a new bag, her current bag has a hole in the bottom.

2
Is there a difference in saying between "hold up" and "hold on?"
There is a slight difference! "Hold on" is used to ask someone to wait, whereas "hold up," asks someone to stop or delay what they're doing, or it can indicate a delay. "Hold on" also has a gentler tone to it than "hold up." Ex: There's been a hold-up with the new orders. => a delay Ex: Hold on, George! I need to talk to you about something. Ex: Hold up. I never said that I was angry. => indicates to stop or pause the conversation

3
When can I use the word "heartbroken"?
The word "heartbroken" means to be very distressed or upset over something. You can use the word "heartbroken" when discussing a breakup, an unpleasant situation, or even death. Ex: She was heartbroken from her father's death. Ex: I never felt so heartbroken. I loved him. Ex: We were heartbroken when our dog died.

4
Would there be a more specific verb that could replace the word "were" in this context?
There is a more specific verb! Since they're talking about "acting" in movies, you could use the past tense form of the verb "act," "acted." Ex: You acted in a couple movies with Tom Holland, right? Ex: What other movies were you in? = What other movies did you act in?

5
I feel like there's a subtle difference in meaning between "contentious" and "controversial". Could you explain this more?
Good question! The answer is that in this context, "contentious" and "controversial" mean basically the same thing. In regards to issues, you can use the two words interchangeably. Ex: Abortion is a very controversial topic in America. Ex: I don't like speaking on contentious topics. When used to describe people, the meaning is different. A "contentious" person is someone who is argumentative. Meanwhile, a "controversial" person is someone that arouses controversy, someone that OTHERS argue about. Ex: She is known for her irritating, contentious personality. Ex: Winston Churchill is a bit of a controversial person.

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