pay

Definitions

1. verb

   To give money for goods or services.

   Examples

   • I will pay cash for the bike.
   • Can I pay by credit card?
2. verb

   To put money into an account.

   Examples

   • I pay part of each paycheck into a savings account.
   • She pays a small sum into her pension every month.
3. verb

   To give what you owe, such as a bill or fine.

   Examples

   • He had to pay a fine for parking there.
   • She offered to pay the bill.
   ≈pay off≈repay
4. verb

   To be worth the effort or give a profit.

   Examples

   • It did not pay him to keep the shop open.
   • Crime does not pay.
5. verb

   To provide the money for a cost.

   Examples

   • Her savings paid for her college education.
   • His bonus paid for the whole vacation.
6. verb

   To give a profit or return.

   Examples

   • The shares pay a good return each year.
   • This account pays interest every month.
   ≈pay out≈yield≈return
7. verb

   Used with words like attention, visit or respect, to show that you give them.

   Examples

   • Please pay attention to the teacher.
   • We paid a visit to our old neighbors.
8. verb

   To suffer for something you did wrong.

   Examples

   • He paid for his day in the sun with a bad sunburn.
   • She paid dearly for her carelessness.
9. verb

   To admit that a joke or point was good.

   Examples

   • I will pay that one, it was funny.
   • Okay, I will pay that, you have a point.
10. noun

    The money you get for your work.

    Examples

    • Her pay went up after the promotion.
    • The pay is good, but the hours are long.