pay

Meanings

Verb

  • To give money or other compensation to in exchange for goods or services.
  • To discharge, as a debt or other obligation, by giving or doing what is due or required.
  • To be profitable for.
  • To give (something else than money).
  • To be profitable or worth the effort.
  • To discharge an obligation or debt.
  • To suffer consequences.
  • To admit that a joke, punchline, etc., was funny.
  • To cover (the bottom of a vessel, a seam, a spar, etc.) with tar or pitch, or a waterproof composition of tallow, resin, etc.; to smear.

Noun

Adjective

  • Operable or accessible on deposit of coins.
  • Pertaining to or requiring payment.

Related

Narrower meaning words

Broader meaning words

Origin

  • From Middle English payen, from Old French paiier ("pay"), from Medieval Latin pācāre ("to settle, satisfy") from Latin pācō ("to pacify"). Displaced native Middle English yelden ("to pay") (from Old English ġieldan ("to pay")) and Middle English scotten ("to pay, make payment") (from Old English gescot ("payment")).
  • Old French peier, from Latin picare ("to pitch").

Modern English dictionary

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