Pronunciation: [kˈiːp pˈe͡ɪs] (IPA) 
The phrase "keep pace" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /kip peɪs/. The first syllable, "kip," is pronounced with a short "i" sound as in "ship," followed by the "p" sound. The second syllable, "peɪs," is pronounced as "pay-s" with a long "a" sound, followed by the "s" sound. In this phrase, "keep pace" means to maintain the same speed or rate as something or someone else.
The phrase "keep pace" is often used to describe the act of staying at the same level or rate of progress as someone or something else. It refers to maintaining an equivalent speed, rhythm, or advancement in order to remain in sync with a particular situation or individual.
When applied in a literal sense, "keep pace" can refer to a physical act of matching the speed of an object or person while moving forward. For example, if someone is jogging, to keep pace with them would mean to maintain the same speed and distance relative to their movements.
In a figurative or metaphorical sense, "keep pace" conveys the idea of ensuring one's progress is aligned with a certain standard or expectation. It implies the necessity to consistently achieve the same level of development, performance, or efficiency as others in order to remain relevant or competitive. For instance, in the context of professional careers or academic environments, individuals are often encouraged to keep pace with the latest advancements, technologies, or knowledge in their respective fields.
Overall, "keep pace" connotes the idea of maintaining synchronization, alignment, or equivalence in terms of speed, progress, or achievement. It stresses the importance of being aware of, adapting to, and matching the expectations or actions of others to avoid falling behind and to stay connected within a particular context.
The etymology of the phrase "keep pace" can be understood by examining the origins of its individual words.
1. Keep: The word "keep" derives from the Old English word "cēpan", which means to "observe" or "attend to". Over time, its meaning evolved to include "retain" or "maintain". The origin of "cēpan" is uncertain, but it might have roots in the Germanic word "kōpjan", meaning "to stare".
2. Pace: The word "pace" comes from the Latin word "passus", which means "a step" or "a pace". It was commonly used in Latin to measure distance, particularly in referring to the length of a step. Eventually, the word "pace" entered English from both Old French ("pas") and Italian ("passo").
