The spelling of "pay off" is easily explained with IPA phonetics as [peɪ ɒf]. The first syllable contains the long "a" sound (represented by the "ay" digraph) followed by the short "o" sound (represented by the "o" letter) in the second syllable. The word's meaning refers to satisfying a debt or accomplishing a goal, and its spelling is a straightforward representation of the word's pronunciation. When trying to pay off debt, it's important to be diligent in one's efforts to achieve a positive outcome.
"Pay off" is a phrasal verb that can have several different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Here is a comprehensive dictionary definition of "pay off":
1. To settle a debt or financial obligation by giving the required amount of money; to repay a loan or borrowed funds.
Example: He worked hard for years to pay off his student loans.
2. To provide compensation, reward, or bribe to someone in exchange for a favor, services rendered, or cooperation.
Example: The company paid off the officials to secure the contract.
3. To achieve a desirable result or outcome, especially after a long and challenging effort; to make one's efforts or investments worthwhile.
Example: All her hard work eventually paid off when she got promoted.
4. To eliminate or reduce something negative or undesirable, such as a debt, a risk, or an accusation.
Example: By selling his car, he managed to pay off his credit card debt.
5. To receive a large sum of money, often unexpectedly or as a result of a successful venture or investment.
Example: Their investment in the stock market paid off when the company's shares skyrocketed in value.
Overall, "pay off" encompasses the ideas of settling debts, rewarding or bribing others, achieving favorable outcomes, eliminating negatives, and receiving substantial financial gains. The meaning may vary depending on the specific context in which it is used.
The term "pay off" originates from the verb "pay" and the noun "off". The word "pay" came from the Old French word "paier", which means "to pay, to satisfy a debt". This, in turn, derived from the Latin word "pacare", literally meaning "to appease" or "to pacify". The word "off" traces back to Old English, where it primarily denoted "away" or "from a place". When combined, "pay off" refers to the action of satisfying or settling a debt or obligation, making it "go away" or "off" by fulfilling one's financial responsibility. Over time, the expression "pay off" has also acquired additional metaphorical meanings, such as achieving a desirable outcome or reaching a successful conclusion.