Pay

Definition

Pay is a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to give money in exchange for goods, services, or debts, or to reward someone. As a noun, it refers to the wages or salary earned by an individual for their work.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /peɪ/
• Respelling: pay

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /peɪ/
• Respelling: pay

Etymology

The word "pay" originates from the Old French "paier," meaning "to satisfy," derived from Latin "pacare," which means "to appease" or "to pacify." It entered Middle English in the 13th century, evolving to signify monetary transactions.

Derivatives

• Payment (noun)
• Payer (noun)
• Prepay (verb)
• Repay (verb)
• Underpay (verb)

Synonyms

• Compensate
• Remunerate
• Reimburse

Antonyms

• Withhold
• Owe
• Default

Usage

The term "pay" is commonly used in financial and employment contexts. For example, "She needs to pay her electricity bill," or "His pay was increased after the promotion."

Related Terms

• Salary: A fixed regular payment made by an employer to an employee.
• Wages: Payment earned on an hourly, daily, or per-job basis.
• Debt: Money that is owed or due.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To give money in exchange for goods, services, or debts:
  • Example: "He agreed to pay for the dinner."
• To reward or compensate someone:
  • Example: "She was paid generously for her work."
• To suffer the consequences or penalties:
  • Example: "He will pay for his mistakes."

Noun

• The wages or salary given for work or services:
  • Example: "His monthly pay is deposited directly into his account."
• Payment or monetary compensation:
  • Example: "The company offers fair pay for its employees."