pay
pay
Pay (verb) means to give money in exchange for goods, services, or work. Example: “Can you pay the plumber before he leaves?”
verb
1
To give money in exchange for goods, services, or work.
"Can you pay the plumber before he leaves?"
"She pays her rent on the first of the month."
"I'll pay for the tickets if you get the snacks."
2
To be worthwhile or profitable.
"Honesty pays in the long run."
"It pays to check the weather before you plan a long hike."
"Crime doesn't pay, as the old saying goes."
noun
1
Money received for work; wages or salary.
"The pay here is decent, but the hours are long."
"She asked for better pay after taking on extra duties."
"Many nurses work nights for the extra pay."
How to use pay
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo hand over money for something, or the money you earn from work.
Common pairings
pay a bill
pay in cash
a pay rise
crime doesn't pay
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Word forms
- Plural
- pays
- Third person singular
- pays
- Past tense
- paid, payed
- Archaic forms
- payest, paidest, payedst, paidst, payeth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Can you _____ the plumber before he leaves?
Etymology
From Old French paiier, ultimately from Latin pacare ("to pacify, satisfy") — the idea being that paying a debt settles or "pacifies" it.
Synonyms
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compensate
reimburse
settle
remunerate
cover
disburse
remuneration
salary
earnings
wage
ante up
cough up
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for pay
See all rhymes for pay →Frequently asked questions
What does “pay” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “pay”?
“Pay” is pronounced pay (/peɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “pay” in a sentence?
Here is “pay” used in a sentence: “Can you pay the plumber before he leaves?”
What is another word for “pay”?
Words with a similar meaning to “pay” include ante up, cough up, defray, expend, do the needful and foot the bill.
What is the opposite of “pay”?
The opposite of “pay” — its antonyms — are buy, earn, levant, default and repudiate.
What part of speech is “pay”?
Depending on how it is used, “pay” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “pay” come from?
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.
Is “pay” a common word?
“Pay” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between pay and buy?
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.
What is the difference between pay and spend?
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.
What are the different ways to pay?
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.
Can 'pay' mean something other than money?
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.
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