pay

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To give money in exchange for goods, services, or work.

   I paid ten dollars for the book.

2. 2
   verb

   To give back money that is owed; to settle a debt or bill.

   She offered to pay the bill at the restaurant.

3. 3
   verb

   To suffer a punishment or bad result because of something you have done.

   They yelled, "You'll pay for this!" as I walked out.

4. 4
   verb

   To be worth the effort; to bring a useful result.

   It pays to read the instructions before you start.

Common collocations

• pay a bill Verb + noun
• pay attention Verb + noun
• pay cash Verb + noun
• pay phone Adjective + noun
• pay a visit Verb + noun

From Middle English payen, from Old French paiier (“pay”), from Medieval Latin pācāre (“to settle, satisfy”) from Latin pācāre (“to pacify”). In this sense, displaced native Old English ġield (“pay”) and ġieldan (“to pay”), whence Modern English yield.

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