Pass
/pæs/
Definitions
6 meaningsTo move, go by, or proceed.
/pæs/
To move or proceed in a specified direction or through something.
The train passed through the tunnel.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're walking on a sidewalk. When you walk *past* a store or a person, you are using the word 'pass'. It's like you're moving by something.
👶 For kids: To go by something, like when you walk past your friend at school.
More Examples
He passed the ball to his teammate.
The weeks passed slowly during the summer.
How It's Used
"The car passed the truck on the highway."
"The quarterback passed the ball to the receiver."
"Time passes quickly when you're having fun."
To be successful in a test, exam, or course.
/pæs/
To succeed in a test or course.
She passed her driving test.
💡 Simply: If you studied hard for a test and you *pass* it, it means you did well enough to get a good grade. It's a happy feeling!
👶 For kids: When you do a good job on a test or a game and win, you pass!
More Examples
I hope I pass the exam.
He managed to pass the course.
How It's Used
"She passed her driving test on the first try."
"He passed the final exam with flying colors."
To transfer something from one person to another.
/pæs/
To transfer or hand something to another person.
Please pass the butter.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're sharing your toys with a friend. If you give them a toy, you 'pass' it to them.
👶 For kids: To give something to someone, like when you pass your friend a toy.
More Examples
He passed the information to his colleague.
The waiter passed the plates to the customers.
How It's Used
"Could you pass me the salt, please?"
"The basketball player passed the ball to his teammate."
To approve or authorize something.
/pæs/
To approve or authorize.
The committee passed the budget.
💡 Simply: Imagine your parents say it’s okay to go out with your friends. When they agree, they 'pass' your request.
👶 For kids: When someone says 'yes' to something, they pass it.
More Examples
The Senate passed the bill after much debate.
The motion passed with a majority vote.
How It's Used
"The law was passed by the legislature."
"The board passed the proposal."
A document authorizing a person to travel or enter somewhere.
/pæs/
A document allowing a person to travel.
Do you have your passport?
💡 Simply: A special paper that lets you go to other countries. It's like a key.
👶 For kids: A paper that lets you go places!
More Examples
She needs a pass to enter the building.
The security guard checked his pass.
How It's Used
"He showed his passport at the border."
A successful instance or attempt
/pæs/
A successful attempt or instance
It was a spectacular pass.
💡 Simply: When you do something well, like a successful pass in basketball or football, it's a 'pass'.
👶 For kids: When you do something good, you make a pass!
More Examples
The pass was intercepted by the opposing team.
How It's Used
"He completed a difficult pass."
"The event was a great success and a resounding pass."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
pass away
To die.
"Her grandmother passed away peacefully in her sleep."
pass out
To lose consciousness.
"He passed out from the heat."
pass the time
To spend time in a relaxed way.
"They played cards to pass the time."
pass up
To decline or refuse (an opportunity, offer, etc.).
"He passed up the job offer."
let pass
To ignore or not to punish.
"The teacher let the mistake pass."
From Old French *passer* ('to go through, pass'), from Vulgar Latin *passāre*, from Latin *passus* ('a step, pace').
The word 'pass' has been in use since the 13th century, evolving from its Latin and French roots. Initially, it related to movement and transition, later expanding to include approval and authorization.
Memory tip
Imagine walking past a landmark – you 'pass' it.
Word Origin
"a step, pace"