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pawnshop
pawpaw
Pawtucket
PAX
pax
Pax Romana
pax vobiscum
Paxil
pay (1)
pay (2)
pay and display
pay-as-you-earn
pay-as-you-go
pay back
pay bed
pay cable
pay cheque
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pay (1)

pay [ pay ]


verb  (past and past participle paid [ payd ], present participle pay·ing, 3rd person present singular pays)
Definition:
 
1. transitive and intransitive verb give money for something: to give somebody money for work done or for goods or services provided
They were paid a small fortune for it.
a well-paid job

2. transitive and intransitive verb settle debt: to settle a debt or other obligation

3. transitive and intransitive verb bring in money: to bring in an amount of money
How much will the job pay?

4. transitive and intransitive verb be punished: to be punished or suffer bad consequences as the result of an action
He's paid dearly for his carelessness.

5. transitive verb yield interest: to yield a particular amount as a return on a sum of money invested
The account pays 12 percent interest.

6. intransitive verb give positive result: to be profitable or beneficial
Crime doesn't pay.

7. transitive verb bestow attention: to give something such as attention or a compliment to somebody or something
pay a compliment

8. transitive verb visit somebody: to make a visit or call to see somebody

9. transitive verb 
Same as  pay out (sense 2)


10. transitive verb nautical let vessel go leeward: to allow a vessel to make leeway



noun 
Definition:
 
1. money given in return for work: money that is given in return for work or services provided, especially in the form of a salary or wages

2. reward: reward, recompense, or recognition granted to somebody



adjective 
Definition:
 
1. needing insertion of coin to function: requiring the insertion of coins or a card in order to function
pay TV

2. mineral extract rich in metals: yielding metal or minerals valuable enough to make mining them profitable

[12th century. Via Old French payer "pacify" < Latin pacare< pax "peace"]

in the pay of somebody employed by somebody, especially for a dishonest or criminal purpose

pay the price (for something) to suffer the unpleasant consequences of something you have done

put paid to to put an end to or ruin something (informal)

pay through the nose to pay an exorbitant sum for goods or services


Word Key: Synonyms

See wage.

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