pay

[peɪ]

pay Definition

• 1. give (someone) money that is due for work done, goods received, or a debt incurred
• 2. give (a sum of money) in exchange for goods or services
• 3. suffer a misfortune or penalty as a consequence of an action

Using pay: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pay" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I get paid on the last day of every month.

• Example

  I'll pay you back next week.

• Example

  I need to pay the rent by Friday.

• Example

  She paid $50 for the concert ticket.

pay Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for pay

• compensate
• remunerate
• settle
• clear
• discharge

Antonyms for pay

• withhold
• retain

Idioms Using pay

• pay through the nose

  pay an excessive amount of money for something

  Example

  I had to pay through the nose for that car repair.

• pay one's dues

  work hard and gain experience in order to achieve success

  Example

  She paid her dues as an intern before being offered a full-time job.

• pay attention

  listen to, watch, or consider someone or something carefully

  Example

  You need to pay attention in class if you want to pass the exam.

Phrases with pay

• pay off

  produce a beneficial result; succeed

  Example

  All her hard work paid off when she got the promotion.

• pay up

  pay what is owed, especially when it has been delayed or contested

  Example

  If you don't pay up by the end of the week, we'll take legal action.

• pay the price

  suffer the unpleasant consequences of one's actions

  Example

  He knew he was taking a risk, but he wasn't prepared to pay the price if things went wrong.

Origins of pay

from Old French 'paiier', from Latin 'pacare', meaning 'appease'

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Summary: pay in Brief

The verb 'pay' [peɪ] refers to giving money for work done, goods received, or debts incurred. It can also mean suffering a misfortune or penalty as a consequence of an action. Examples include 'I get paid on the last day of every month,' and 'She paid $50 for the concert ticket.' Phrases like 'pay off' denote success, while 'pay through the nose' implies paying an excessive amount of money.