paying
UK[ˈpeɪɪŋ]US[ˈpeɪɪŋ]
v
(present participle of pay) Giving someone money for work done, goods received, or a debt owed.
v
(present participle of pay) Suffering a negative consequence as a result of an action.
Morpheme Breakdown
pay
ing
pay
to give money
ing
verb suffix forming present participle
Etymology
The word 'paying' is built on the verb 'pay', whose core meaning of transferring money originates from a concept of peace and settlement. It derives from Latin 'pacare', meaning 'to pacify or appease', which itself comes from 'pax' (peace). The logic is that a debt settled or a service compensated brings a peaceful conclusion to an obligation. The suffix '-ing', of Germanic origin, is attached to form the present participle, indicating the ongoing action or state of settling what is owed, whether it be money or a metaphorical penalty.
Analysis
Structure: pay (to give money) + ing (verb suffix forming present participle)
- pay: From Old French 'paier', from Latin 'pacare' meaning 'to appease, pacify'. In this word, it functions as the verbal root meaning 'to give what is due'.
- ing: From Old English '-ende', '-inge', a suffix used to form the present participle of verbs.
Examples
She is paying for her groceries at the checkout counter.
He will be paying a high price for his reckless decisions.
The company is finally paying its employees a living wage.