pay

Definition

To give money or other compensation to in exchange for goods or services.

Etymology

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.

Example Sentences

• "How much will the job pay?"
• "he paid him to clean the place up"
• "he paid her off the books and in kind where possible"

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