1 B2 neutral
To measure a distance or area by walking it in deliberate, counted steps.
"The architect paced out the width of the plot before drawing up the plans."
separable
pace out
B2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To measure a distance or area by walking across it and counting paces; or to walk back and forth anxiously.
In plain English
To measure a space by walking across it counting steps; or to walk back and forth because you are nervous.
What does "pace out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To walk back and forth repeatedly, typically because of anxiety, impatience, or deep thought.
"He paced out the length of the waiting room until the nurse finally called his name."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To carry out (something) by pacing — stepping out the measurement.
Actually means
To measure a space by walking across it counting steps; or to walk back and forth because you are nervous.
Usage tip
Has two distinct uses: the practical/physical measurement sense, and the anxious pacing sense (often intransitive). Context makes the meaning clear. More common in British and Australian English than American.
Words that pair with "pace out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
distance room area length floor corridor steps
How to conjugate "pace out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pace out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
paces out
he/she/it
Past simple
paced out
yesterday
Past participle
paced out
have + pp
-ing form
pacing out
continuous
Hear "pace out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pace out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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