pass
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for pass, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To move from one place, position, or state to another.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use pass
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French passer, "to step or walk by," ultimately from Latin passus, "a step" — the same root behind "pace."
Full origin of pass →Frequently asked questions
What does “pass” mean?
The word “pass” means to move from one place, position, or state to another. In plain terms, a very flexible word covering movement, success in a test, handing something over, and declining a turn.
How do you pronounce “pass”?
“Pass” is pronounced pahs ([pʰæs] in IPA).
How do you use “pass” in a sentence?
Here is “pass” used in a sentence: “We passed through three towns on the drive home.”
What part of speech is “pass”?
Depending on how it is used, “pass” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “pass” come from?
The word “pass” comes from Latin. From Old French passer, "to step or walk by," ultimately from Latin passus, "a step" — the same root behind "pace.".
Is “pass” a common word?
“Pass” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “pass” have?
“Pass” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move from one place, position, or state to another.
What is the difference between "pass," "passed," and "past"?
"Pass" and "passed" are forms of the verb meaning to move by or go through ("I pass the shop daily"; "I passed it yesterday"). "Past" is not a verb — it is a noun, adjective, or preposition about earlier time or position ("the past," "walked past the shop"). If you need a verb, use passed, not past.
What are the different meanings of "pass"?
"Pass" has many senses built on the idea of moving from one place or state to another: to go by something, to hand something over ("pass the salt"), to succeed in a test, to overtake a vehicle, for time to elapse, or to choose not to act ("I'll pass"). Context tells you which is meant.
What is an example of "pass" in a sentence?
"We pass the old church on our way to work" shows movement by a place. Other examples include "please pass the water," "she hopes to pass her driving test," and "let the storm pass." Each uses the core idea of moving from one place, position, or state to another.