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Glite Dictionary
change-of-pace

change-of-pace

1 8.3
A slow pitch in baseball thrown to trick the batter
  • noun
  • /ˈʧeɪndʒ əv peɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : cambio de ritmo

Examples

  • Working in pairs and small groups during class was designed to challenge students' understanding of content, help them review important concepts and apply new concepts learned, and provide active, change-of-pace learning opportunities.

    Academic text (2015)

  • Morris is third in the league in rushing, while Bolden and Richardson have proved to be capable change-of-pace backs, which is all you need out of a second RB, especially when your quarterback is taking nearly 10 carries per game.

    Blog text (27)

  • It took a potentially franchise-destroying injury to Chris Bosh at nearly the worst possible time, but the Heat discovered in May and June that their version of small ball, with LeBron James at power forward, should serve as the foundation of the team's identity rather than as a change-of-pace tactic at the start of the second and fourth quarters.

    Blog text (27)

  • Should LeGarrette Blount take the lead, with Doug Martin just being a change-of-pace back, or should the first-rounder get the chance to be a true bellcow back?

    Blog text (17)

  • In the last game, the pitcher surprised the batter with a change-of-pace pitch right after a series of fastballs.

  • The coach decided to use a change-of-pace throw to catch the hitter off guard during the crucial moment of the match.

  • The batter was expecting a hard throw, but the pitcher cleverly executed a change-of-pace pitch instead.

Synonyms

changeup
vschange-of-pace
  • Specialized
5 5.6

A slow baseball pitch that tricks the batter into swinging too early

relies on the batter expecting a fastball rather than on appearing quicker
change-up
vschange-of-pace
  • Specialized
3 6.4

A slow pitch that fools a batter who expects a fastball

means the same slow pitch in baseball
off-speed pitch
vschange-of-pace
  • Jargon
1 7.6

A baseball throw slower than a fastball that fools the batter

is a specific slow pitch used when a fastball is expected
change-of-pace ball
vschange-of-pace
  • Specialized
7.9

A baseball pitch thrown much slower than expected to surprise a batter

describes a slow pitch without stressing how much slower

How Slow

change-of-pace
  • Specialized
1 8.3
curveball
  • Specialized
15 5.3
slider
  • Jargon
11 6.6
fastball
  • US
55 3.2

Surface Forms

change-of-pace singular
change-of-paces plural
change of paces plural
change of pace singular

Morphology

change-of-pace = change + pace (semi-transparent) = change + pace

The phrase is literally built from 'change' + 'pace' and denotes a variation in speed, but the specific baseball sense ('a slow pitch') is a specialized application.

Etymology

The word change-of-pace comes from the simple parts change 'to make different' and pace 'speed'. Picture someone walking fast and then suddenly slowing to surprise you — in baseball a change-of-pace is a slower pitch used to trick the batter.