pay

pay · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To give money in exchange for goods or services.

  2. 2.

    To give what is owed or due.

  3. 3.

    To be profitable or worthwhile.

  4. 4.

    To give attention or heed.

  5. 5.

    To suffer a consequence.

  6. 6.

    Money received for work; salary or wages.

Related words

Antonyms: owe, withhold
See also: paid, payment, salary, wage
Synonyms: compensate, remunerate, settle

Etymology

From Old French paier, from Latin pacare meaning "to pacify, satisfy" (originally "to make peace"), from pax (peace). The sense evolved from "pacifying a creditor" to "settling a debt" to the general meaning of giving money.