pass
pahs
Pass (verb) means to move from one place, position, or state to another. Example: “Clouds passed slowly across the sky as we sat watching from the hill.”
verb
1
To move from one place, position, or state to another.
"Clouds passed slowly across the sky as we sat watching from the hill."
"We passed through three towns on the drive home."
"Ownership of the house passed to her daughter."
2
To succeed in a test, exam, or inspection.
"If you pass the final exam, you will get your certificate."
"She passed her driving test on the first attempt."
"The bill passed both houses of parliament."
3
To hand something to someone, or to send the ball to a teammate in sport.
"She passed the parcel to the next child in the circle."
"Could you pass the salt, please?"
"He passed the ball to his striker just outside the box."
4
To decline a turn or an opportunity.
"When the quiz question came round to me, I had to pass."
"He decided to pass on the invitation because he was too tired."
"I'll pass on dessert tonight, thanks."
noun
1
A document or ticket granting entry or permission.
"Visitors must show a pass at the gate before they can enter."
"She bought a monthly bus pass to save money on travel."
"You'll need a pass to get backstage."
2
A narrow route through mountains.
"A narrow road winds through the pass between the two peaks."
"The old trade route followed a high pass over the mountains."
"The hikers crossed the pass just before the snow set in."
How to use pass
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA very flexible word covering movement, success in a test, handing something over, and declining a turn.
Common pairings
pass an exam
pass the ball
pass by
mountain pass
boarding pass
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Word forms
- Plural
- passes
- Third person singular
- passes
- Past tense
- passed
- Archaic forms
- passest, passedst, passeth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Clouds _____ slowly across the sky as we sat watching from the hill.
Etymology
From Old French passer, "to step or walk by," ultimately from Latin passus, "a step" — the same root behind "pace."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for pass
See all rhymes for 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.
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