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pay

pronunciation:
peI
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb, noun, adjective
phrases:
pay off
features:
Word History, Word Builder, Word Explorer
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: pays, paying, paid
definition 1: to give over money to (a person or business) in exchange for goods or services.
The company pays the employees every other week.Do we pay the waiter or the cashier?I need money to pay the plumber.
 
similar words:
recompense, remunerate, repay
definition 2: to satisfy the obligation of by giving over money.
We paid our bill at the restaurant.
synonyms:
discharge, repay, satisfy, settle
similar words:
liquidate, remit, requite, square
definition 3: to give (money or other item of value) in return for something.
I paid fifty dollars for the painting forty years ago, and now it's worth a thousand.
definition 4: to compensate.
Don't worry; we'll pay you for your time.
synonyms:
compensate, indemnify, recompense, reimburse, remunerate
similar words:
repay, requite, reward
definition 5: to get revenge on; punish.
We paid him back for his insults.
synonyms:
fix, get, punish, requite
similar words:
chasten, chastise, repay, retaliate
definition 6: to produce as a return.
This account pays high interest.
synonyms:
return, yield
similar words:
afford, earn, produce
definition 7: to be to one's advantage; profit.
It pays you to stay alert.
synonyms:
avail, benefit, profit
similar words:
help, repay, reward
definition 8: to bestow upon; give.
He paid her a compliment.
synonyms:
bestow, extend, give, grant
similar words:
offer, present, proffer
definition 9: to make (a visit or call).
phrase: pay off
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to make a payment for something.
similar words:
buy, chip in, remit, settle up, spend, treat
definition 2: to satisfy a debt or obligation.
synonyms:
repay, settle up
similar words:
chip in, pay the piper, recompense, remit
definition 3: to be worthwhile or to one's advantage.
It pays to work hard.
similar words:
assist, avail, help, serve
definition 4: to experience revenge or retribution.
You'll pay if you are caught cheating.
synonyms:
answer, pay the piper, suffer
similar words:
atone, be sorry, make amends
 
part of speech: noun
definition 1: money or something else of value that is exchanged for work; wages; salary.
synonyms:
compensation, emolument, paycheck, salary, wage
similar words:
baksheesh, commission, earnings, fee, gratuity, hire, honorarium, recompense, stipend, tip
definition 2: paid employment.
He is in the pay of the government.
synonyms:
employ, employment, hire, service
similar words:
job, occupation, profession
 
part of speech: adjective
definition: needing payment of money to function.
a pay telephonepay television
similar words:
coin-operated, collect
derivations: payee (n.), payer (n.)
Word History
The word pay goes back to a Latin word that means "to keep peaceful or satisfied." By the Middle Ages, "pay" meant "satisfy someone to whom you owe money."
Word Builder: pay +
  • paycheck:
    payment of your wages in the form of a check.
  • payday:
    the day when you get paid at work.
  • pay stub:
    part of your paycheck that you keep. It shows how much you earned and deductions
Word Explorer
See
  bank, business, money, tax, work