DictionarypaceWalking back and forth
verb / noun

pace

A single walking step.

She takes one pace forward and knocks on the door.

Etymology

Latin passus means a step or stride. This sense of pace preserves the concrete movement from which measures of distance and rate also developed.

More examples

  • The gate stands only a few paces from the porch.
  • He paces back and forth while waiting for news.
  • She steps back a pace to let them pass.

Forms

pace · paces · paced · pacing

Similar words

step
Step is the usual word for one foot movement.
stride
Stride suggests a longer step, often taken with purpose.