Meaning & Definition of word "Paying"

Paying

/ˈpeɪ.ɪŋ/

verb:

  • 1. To give money in exchange for goods or services.
    • Example: She is paying for her groceries at the checkout.
  • 2. To discharge a debt or obligation.
    • Example: He is paying off his student loans.
  • 3. To give or bestow (something) as a reward or acknowledgment.
    • Example: Paying attention in class will help you understand the material better.

adjective:

  • 1. Yielding or producing a profit or return.
    • Example: They are looking for paying jobs that offer good benefits.
  • 2. Able to afford to make payments.
    • Example: After the promotion, he was finally in a more paying position.

Etymology

Middle English, from the Old French 'payer' meaning to pacify or satisfy.

Common Phrases and Expressions

paying the price:

to accept the consequences of an action.

paying it forward:

to do something kind for someone as a way to repay kindness shown to oneself.

paying off:

to complete a payment on a debt.

Related Words

payer:

a person or entity that pays money.

payment:

the act of paying or the amount paid.

Slang Meanings of paying

Meaning: fronting the bill

Example Sentence: I'll cover this round; consider it fronting the bill.

Meaning: coughing up

Example Sentence: When the check came, he started coughing up.