pay
UK[peɪ]US[peɪ]
v
To give money to someone for goods, services, or to settle a debt.
v
To give or offer something as a benefit, penalty, or required action.
n
Money received for work.
Etymology
The journey of 'pay' reveals a fascinating shift from a concept of peace to one of financial transaction. Its ultimate source is the Latin verb 'pacare', meaning "to pacify or make peaceful," itself derived from 'pax' (peace). In Medieval Latin, the term evolved to specifically mean "to satisfy a creditor," framing the settlement of a debt as an act of appeasement. This financial sense was adopted into Old French as 'paier' and subsequently into Middle English, where the modern spelling and primary meaning of giving money became firmly established, leaving its original connection to peace as a historical echo.
Analysis
The modern English word 'pay' is a simplex form. It derives from the Old French 'paier', meaning "to appease, pacify, pay," which in turn comes from the Latin 'pacare', meaning "to pacify, satisfy." The core root is the Latin 'pax, pac-', meaning "peace."
Examples
Please pay the bill before you leave the restaurant.
His reckless behavior will pay a heavy price in the long run.
She receives her pay every other Friday.