verb

pays

to pay, to settle, to compensate

He pays the rent every month.

He pays the rent every month.

You need to pay a fine.

You need to pay a fine.

It pays to be honest.

It pays to be honest.

((sth.)) ((for sth.)) to pay (sth.) for (sth.) You need to pay a fine for parking here.

((sb.)) ((sth.)) to pay (sb.) (sth.) He pays the landlord the rent.

It pays ((to-inf)) to be profitable to do sth. It pays to be honest.

Synonyms: spend, settle; Antonyms: charge, owe

From Old French 'paier' (to pacify), from Latin 'pacare' (to make peaceful).

Think of giving someone money to 'pacify' them or settle a debt, bringing peace.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.