passage
10 synonyms for passage, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A short section of a text, speech, or piece of music.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use passage
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
read a passage
narrow passage
passage of time
safe passage
Etymology
From Old French passage, from passer, "to pass."
Full origin of passage →Frequently asked questions
What does “passage” mean?
The word “passage” means a short section of a text, speech, or piece of music. In plain terms, can mean a stretch of text, a corridor, a journey, or a bill becoming law — context decides.
How do you pronounce “passage”?
“Passage” is pronounced PA-sihj (/ˈpæsɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “passage” in a sentence?
Here is “passage” used in a sentence: “She read a passage from her favourite novel aloud.”
What part of speech is “passage”?
“Passage” is a noun.
Where does the word “passage” come from?
The word “passage” comes from Old French. From Old French passage, from passer, "to pass.".
Is “passage” a common word?
“Passage” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “passage” have?
“Passage” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short section of a text, speech, or piece of music.
What is the difference between a passage and a corridor?
Both can mean a narrow way connecting two places, but corridor usually refers specifically to a hallway inside a building. Passage is broader and can also mean a short section of a text, speech, or piece of music.
Does passage always refer to a physical space?
No. Passage can be a narrow corridor or way connecting two places, but it just as often means a short extract from a text, speech, or musical work. The intended meaning depends on the context.
