Pays
/peɪz/noun
The third-person singular present form of “pay,” meaning to give money or another form of compensation.
Did you know?The financial sense of “pay” grew from the Latin idea of pacifying or settling an obligation, linking money, peace, and social order.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pak-
“To fasten, make firm, or reach an agreement”
Classical Latin
Latin
pax
“Peace or an agreement that ends conflict”
Classical Latin
Latin
pacare
“To pacify, appease, or bring under control”
12th–13th Century
Old French
paier
“To pay, settle a debt, or satisfy an obligation”
Middle English
English
payen
“To give what is owed or discharge a debt”
Modern English
English
pays
“He, she, or it gives money or compensation”