change of pace

[cheynj uhv peys]

noun

1. temporary shift or variation in a normal routine or regular pattern of activity.

   Reading a mystery novel has been a real change of pace for me.

2. Baseball: Older Use.,  changeup.

Word History and Origins

Origin of change of pace¹

First recorded in 1650–60; 1865–70 change of pace for def. 2

Idioms and Phrases

A shift in normal routine, a variation in usual activities or pattern, as in She's smiling in that one photo, just for a change of pace, or After six hours at my desk I need a change of pace, so I'm going for a swim. This term originated in a number of sports where strategy can involve altering the speed of, for example, a pitched or struck ball or a horse's gait. By the mid-1900s it was being transferred to other enterprises.

Example Sentences

Brent Bruner said the Moroccan-themed design and trendy crowd at the city’s Camel Club is a nice change of pace from the town’s typical equestrian decor and khaki-with-blue-blazer dress code.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Reeves, in a change of pace from his recent action work in the “John Wick” movies, plays Gabriel, a low-level angel given the task of stopping people from texting and driving.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

While the last half-hour is wall-to-wall, madcap action, the entire film is such a refreshing change of pace and tone from Aronofsky’s typically dour material that it feels like the director is intentionally turning a page.

Read more on Salon

They got six strong innings from Clayton Kershaw; plus, in a refreshing change of pace, plenty of crisp, clean defense behind him.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Rams drafted Stewart in the third round from Michigan as a change of pace to fortify the pass rush.

Read more on Los Angeles Times