Pave
/peɪv/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo cover a surface with a material, such as stones or concrete, to create a smooth, hard surface, like a road or path.
/peɪv/
To cover a surface with flat stones or other hard material.
They decided to pave the road with asphalt.
💡 Simply: Pave means to put down a hard surface, like making a road or sidewalk. Think about when they're building a new street—they're paving it!
👶 For kids: To cover something with stones or other hard stuff to make a smooth path.
More Examples
The workers are currently paving the driveway.
We need to pave the area before winter arrives.
How It's Used
"Construction crews are paving the new highway."
"The city is paving the sidewalks to improve pedestrian access."
To prepare or smooth the way for something to happen, often through actions or decisions.
/peɪv/
To prepare or smooth the way for something.
Her early work paved the way for many later discoveries.
💡 Simply: Pave can also mean to make things easier for something to happen. Like, if you work hard to get good grades, you're paving the way for college!
👶 For kids: To make it easier for something to happen.
More Examples
The new policy aims to pave the road for economic growth.
They are paving the path for a new era of collaboration.
How It's Used
"The company is paving the way for a new product launch."
"Her success paved the way for other women in the field."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Pave the way for
To make it possible or easier for something to happen in the future.
"The early experiments paved the way for modern medicine."
From Old French *pavier* ('to pave'), from Latin *pavīre* ('to ram down, to pack'), from *pavīmentum* ('pavement').
Historically, the word "pave" has been primarily associated with the physical act of constructing roads and surfaces.
Memory tip
Imagine pouring and setting a new floor for your house, creating a flat surface.