verb B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

pave

payv

Pave (verb) means to cover a surface such as a road or path with a hard material like concrete, stone, or asphalt. Example: “The council paved the old dirt track so cyclists could use it.”

verb

To cover a surface such as a road or path with a hard material like concrete, stone, or asphalt.

"The council paved the old dirt track so cyclists could use it."

"Workers paved the driveway with brick."

To make something possible or easier for what comes next, as in "pave the way."

"Her research paved the way for a new generation of vaccines."

How to use pave

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo lay a hard surface, or figuratively, to set things up so something else can happen easily.

Common pairings

pave the way pave a road a paved surface

Word forms

paved past tense, paves singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The council _____ the old dirt track so cyclists could use it.

Etymology

From Old French paver, tracing back to a Vulgar Latin word meaning "to beat down" or "ram" — describing how early road surfaces were compacted.

Origin: Vulgar Latin

Rhymes for pave

ave gave save have wave cave nave rave fave Dave weave leave

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Frequently asked questions

What does “pave” mean?

The word “pave” means to cover a surface such as a road or path with a hard material like concrete, stone, or asphalt. In plain terms, to lay a hard surface, or figuratively, to set things up so something else can happen easily.

How do you pronounce “pave”?

“Pave” is pronounced payv (/peɪv/ in IPA).

How do you use “pave” in a sentence?

Here is “pave” used in a sentence: “The council paved the old dirt track so cyclists could use it.”

What part of speech is “pave”?

“Pave” is a verb.

Where does the word “pave” come from?

The word “pave” comes from Vulgar Latin. From Old French paver, tracing back to a Vulgar Latin word meaning "to beat down" or "ram" — describing how early road surfaces were compacted.

Is “pave” a common word?

“Pave” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “pave” have?

“Pave” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to cover a surface such as a road or path with a hard material like concrete, stone, or asphalt.