pave
UK: peɪv | US: peɪv
vt. to cover a surface with flat stones, bricks, or concrete to make a solid, level area
vt. to prepare or make something easier (figurative, e.g., "pave the way")
The word "pave" traces back to Latin pavire, which described the act of compacting or flattening a surface by beating or treading. It entered English via Old French paver, where it specifically referred to laying stones or bricks to create a solid path. Over time, "pave" expanded metaphorically to mean "smoothing the way" for progress or development. The morpheme pav- preserves the original sense of forceful flattening, while the silent -e marks its verbal form.
The city plans to pave the dirt road next year.
Her research paved the way for groundbreaking medical discoveries.
The courtyard was paved with smooth, gray cobblestones.
Early explorers paved trails through the dense forest.
Diplomacy can pave a path to peaceful resolutions.