pay

The word “pay” means to give money in exchange for goods, services, or work. In plain terms, to hand over money for something, or the money you earn from work.

“Pay” is pronounced pay (/peɪ/ in IPA).

Here is “pay” used in a sentence: “Can you pay the plumber before he leaves?”

Words with a similar meaning to “pay” include ante up, cough up, defray, expend, do the needful and foot the bill.

The opposite of “pay” — its antonyms — are buy, earn, levant, default and repudiate.

Depending on how it is used, “pay” can be a verb and a noun.

The word “pay” comes from Latin. From Old French paiier, ultimately from Latin pacare ("to pacify, satisfy") — the idea being that paying a debt settles or "pacifies" it.

“Pay” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

To buy is to acquire something in exchange for money; to pay is to hand over the money itself. When you buy a coffee, paying is the act of giving the cash or card that completes the purchase. You can also pay for things you do not buy, such as a fine or a debt.

Pay focuses on giving money to a specific party for something owed — a bill, a worker, a seller. Spend focuses on using up your money in general, often across many purchases. You pay the electrician; you spend a month's wages. Paying settles a particular amount, whereas spending simply depletes your funds.

Payment can be made with cash, debit or credit cards, bank transfers, cheques, or mobile and online services. Money can change hands upfront, in instalments, or on credit to be settled later. Whatever the method, the core act stays the same: giving money in exchange for goods, services, or work.

Yes. "Pay" often works figuratively, as in paying attention, paying a compliment, paying your respects, or paying the price for a mistake. In these expressions you give something of value — focus, praise, or consequence — rather than money. The idea of giving something in return still underlies each of these uses.