pacing
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun 1. The act of walking with slow, regular, and measured steps. This meaning refers specifically to the manner or rhythm of walking, often implying a deliberate, controlled, or thoughtful speed. 2. (Music) The speed or tempo at which a musical composition is intended to be performed. This meaning refers to the rate of progress or the temporal flow within a piece of music.
Usage and Examples
- Noun (Walking):
- The anxious speaker's pacing back and forth behind the curtain was obvious to everyone backstage.
- The slow, deliberate pacing of the guard made his rounds seem endless.
- Noun (Music):
- The conductor insisted on a slower pacing for the second movement to enhance its emotional depth.
- The pacing of this symphony is challenging, with rapid allegros followed by very slow adagios.
Advanced Usage
- "The pacing of a narrative/story": While not the core definition, "pacing" is commonly used metaphorically to describe the speed and rhythm at which events unfold in a story, film, or speech. This is an extended application of the concept of controlled speed and rhythm.
- The film's pacing was criticized; it felt rushed in the first act but dragged in the second.
Variants and Related Words
- Pace (verb/noun): The root word. As a verb: to walk with regular steps, to set the speed for. As a noun: a single step, speed of movement or progress.
- Tempo (noun): A close synonym, especially in music, meaning the speed of a piece. (e.g., )
Synonyms
- For walking: stride, tread.
- For music/narrative: tempo, speed, rate, rhythm.
Related Phrases/Idioms
- "To set the pace": To establish the speed or standard that others follow.
- The lead runner set a fierce pace for the first mile.
- "To keep pace (with)": To move or progress at the same speed as someone or something else.
- She walked faster to keep pace with her tall friend.
Noun
- walking with slow regular strides
- (music) the speed at which a composition is to be played