PACING Definition & Meaning

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pacing

[pey-sing]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the act or result of setting the rate of movement or progress, as of a story, movie, lesson, etc..
The pacing of a video presentation must be appropriate; too slow is just as common (and as bad) as too fast.
the act of walking back and forth, as to expend nervous energy.
For several minutes after she entered, he continued his restless pacing to and fro as if unaware of her presence.
the act of walking with slow, regular steps.
Above my head, at intervals, I heard the pacing of the sentry upon the roof.
the act or process of measuring something by counting the steps taken to walk its length at a normal stride.
Though surveyors find it a quick and easy way to measure distance in the field, accurate pacing can only be accomplished by practice.

adjective

walking back and forth, as to expend nervous energy.
I tried to focus my attention on anything but the rapidly pacing detective, who was deep in thought.
walking with slow, regular steps.
Seeing the pacing security guard in front of the sliding doors, she looked around quickly for another way out.
(of a horse or other animal) moving in such a way that the feet on the same side are lifted and put down together.
A pacing horse will swing its head from side to side as opposed to up and down.

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of pacing¹

First recorded in 1450–1500; pac(e) ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun senses; pac(e) ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Was pacing something that you talked about with Jeremy, both in how the story was going to be paced, but also how your performance was going to be paced?

From

They should stick to business between songs rather than slow down the pacing by unnecessary chatter.

From

In a way, all animals make rhythms, whether in the form of fireflies flashing, birds chirping or even a tiger pacing back and forth.

From

Whether it was minute eight, 58 or 88, she was pacing up and down the touchline with her arms swinging in encouragement and legs kicking every ball.

From

His restraint and reserved pacing classes up some of the cheaper tricks of the production and, more important, gives perspective to it most powerful ones.

From

pacify Pacinian corpuscle

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