Meaning & Definition of word "Pave"

Pave

/peɪv/

1. to cover (a surface) with a material such as concrete, asphalt, or bricks to create a solid path or road.
- Example: The city plans to pave the main road to improve transportation.
2. to create a pathway or opportunity for something to happen.
- Example: Her groundbreaking research may pave the way for new treatments.
3. to prepare or make ready for a future event.
- Example: The negotiations aim to pave the road for a peaceful resolution.

Middle English 'paven', from Old French 'paver', from Latin 'pavare' meaning 'to beat down, to make firm'.

pave the way:

To create conditions that make it easier for something to happen.

pave over:

To cover something with a hard surface.

pavement:

A hard surface for travel, typically used for roads or sidewalks.

paver:

A person or machine that lays paving stones or other hard surfaces.

Meaning: To set up or prepare the context for something to happen.

Example Sentence: They really paved the way for his promotion with all that good feedback.

Meaning: To cover something up or hide it.

Example Sentence: He tried to pave over his mistakes by acting like they never happened.