pavement - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
pavement Word Meanings
- a hard surface on a road or footpath
- material used for surfacing roads
- the act of paving a surface
pavement Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
pavement Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈpeɪvmənt/
US
/ˈpeɪvmənt/
pavement Word Etymology
pave (put down) + ment (process/action); from Latin 'pavimentum' → Old French ' pavement' → English. Imagine a worker laying down bricks for a new walkway, creating a solid pathway for people to travel.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Pavement is a hard surface built for movement on foot or for road traffic. In British English, pavement often means the sidewalk, while in American English the corresponding word is sidewalk. The term covers both the materials used to create these surfaces (asphalt, concrete, bricks) and the act of laying such surfaces (to pave a road, to pave a driveway). Materials vary by area and era: modern cities favor smooth asphalt or concrete for durability, while historic streets may use cobbles or brick. Pavement can also refer to decorative paving on plazas or gardens. The word is sometimes used in phrases like 'paved with good intentions' as a metaphor, even though the meaning remains tied to surface construction.
Usage Reminders
- remember: 1) pavement can mean the surface or the act of laying it; 2) British vs American usage differs; 3) sidewalk is a common US alternative; 4) watch for 'pavement markings' on roads; 5) paving materials vary by region; 6) use metaphorical phrases with care (paved with good intentions).
Common Misconceptions
- Pavement always means the sidewalk; in British English it often means the sidewalk, but in American English it can mean the road surface too.
- Pavement is only about outdoor roads; it never refers to driveways or garden paths.
- Pave and pavement are the same word in all contexts.
- Pavement always uses bricks; most roads use asphalt or concrete.
- Pavement is a modern term; ancient streets never used paving.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker that pavement covers both the surface and the act of laying it; highlight British vs American nuances and common confusion with sidewalk.
Learning Tips
- Compare British and American usage in context.
- Group vocabulary by 'surface' vs 'process' senses.
- Note common collocations like 'pavement markings' and 'paving stones'.
- Practice with images of roads, sidewalks, and plazas to ground meaning.
- Use metaphorical phrase 'paved with' carefully in writing.
- Create map sketches labeling pavement, road, and sidewalk areas.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'pavement'?
A.An animal
B.A hard, paved surface
C.A type of food
D.A piece of furniture
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'pavement' used correctly?
A.She bought a pavement for her living room.
B.He saw a pavement at the zoo.
C.The children played hopscotch on the pavement.
D.The cat climbed the pavement.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following words is a synonym for 'pavement'?
A.Grass
B.Tree
C.Cloud
D.Sidewalk
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'pavement'?
A.Wood
B.Brick
C.Dirt
D.Asphalt
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you commonly see 'pavement'?
A.City street
B.School classroom
C.Beach
D.Shopping mall
Related Listening
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