pay

/pei/

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Explanation of the Word "Pay"

Definition: The word "pay" can be both a noun and a verb.

Usage Instructions:

• As a noun: Use "pay" to talk about money received for work or a service.

  • Example: "The pay for this job is very good."

• As a verb: Use "pay" when discussing the act of giving money or settling an obligation.

  • Example: "I will pay for the tickets."

Advanced Usage:

• "Pay attention" means to focus or concentrate on something.

  • Example: "You should pay attention in class to understand the lesson."

• "Pay a visit" means to go see someone.

  • Example: "I plan to pay a visit to my grandmother this weekend."

Word Variants:

• Payment (noun): The act of paying or the amount paid.

  • Example: "The payment is due on the first of every month."

• Paid (adjective): Having received payment.

  • Example: "She is a paid employee."

Different Meanings:

• "Pay" can also express consequences:

  • Example: "You'll pay for this!" means there will be consequences for an action.

• In the context of interest or returns:

  • Example: "This investment pays well," meaning it brings a good return.

Synonyms:

• Compensate
• Remunerate
• Settle
• Discharge (a debt)
• Reimburse

Idioms:

• "Pay the price": To suffer the consequences of an action.

  • Example: "If you cheat, you will pay the price later."

• "Pay it forward": To do something good for someone else in return for a kindness done to you.

  • Example: "After receiving help, she decided to pay it forward by helping others."

Phrasal Verbs:

• Pay off: To settle a debt completely.

  • Example: "I finally paid off my student loans."

• Pay up: To pay what is owed, often after being asked or reminded.

  • Example: "You need to pay up if you want to keep your membership."

Conclusion:

"Pay" is a versatile word in English with various uses and meanings.

Academic

Noun

1. something that remunerates
   • wages were paid by check
   • he wasted his pay on drink
   • they saved a quarter of all their earnings

Verb

1. discharge or settle
   • pay a debt
   • pay an obligation
2. make a compensation for
   • a favor that cannot be paid back
3. bear (a cost or penalty), in recompense for some action
   • You'll pay for this!
   • She had to pay the penalty for speaking out rashly
   • You'll pay for this opinion later
4. render
   • pay a visit
   • pay a call
5. be worth it
   • It pays to go through the trouble
6. dedicate
   • give thought to
   • give priority to
   • pay attention to
7. do or give something to somebody in return
   • Does she pay you for the work you are doing?
8. bring in
   • interest-bearing accounts
   • How much does this savings certificate pay annually?
9. cancel or discharge a debt
   • pay up, please!
10. convey, as of a compliment, regards, attention, etc.; bestow
    • Don't pay him any mind
    • give the orders
    • Give him my best regards
    • pay attention
11. give money, usually in exchange for goods or services
    • I paid four dollars for this sandwich
    • Pay the waitress, please

Synonyms

• wage
• earnings
• remuneration
• salary
• give
• devote
• pay off
• make up
• compensate
• yield
• bear
• pay up
• ante up