Paired

[peəd]

verbBeginner📊CommonGeneral
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To arrange or associate things or people in pairs.

[peəd]

verbneutralBeginner
General

To connect or associate two things or people.

The students were paired for a debate.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're at a party, and the host decides to match you with someone else for a game. That's like being paired! It's when two things or people are put together, like peanut butter and jelly.

👶 For kids: To put two things or people together, like matching socks or having a playdate.

More Examples

2

We paired the wine with the cheese.

3

He paired the socks before putting them in the drawer.

How It's Used

General

"The researcher paired the experimental and control groups."

Social

"They were paired together for the dance competition."

2

Existing or arranged as a pair.

[peəd]

adjectiveneutralBeginner
General

Forming a pair; connected or associated.

They had a paired set of candlesticks.

💡 Simply: Imagine you have two of the exact same thing, like two socks or two shoes. If they are matching, they are paired. They go together!

👶 For kids: When things come in two, like shoes or gloves!

More Examples

2

The software worked with paired devices.

3

The paired data provided a clear insight.

How It's Used

General

"She wore a paired set of earrings."

Computing

"The paired devices communicated flawlessly."

Tip:Picture two matching items, like gloves or socks.

Idioms & expressions

pair off

To form couples or pairs, often in a social context.

"As the music started, everyone began to pair off."

From the verb 'pair', derived from Old French 'paire' meaning 'a pair, couple', ultimately from Latin 'par' meaning 'equal'.

The word 'paired' has been used since the 16th century, initially referencing a couple or set of items designed for use together.

Memory tip

Think of two things or people becoming a pair like socks or dance partners.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"equal"

paired withpaired togetherpaired devicespaired samplesa paired set

Common misspellings

paierdpayred

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written