pass

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.

“Pass” is pronounced pahs ([pʰæs] in IPA).

Here is “pass” used in a sentence: “We passed through three towns on the drive home.”

Depending on how it is used, “pass” can be a verb and a noun.

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.".

“Pass” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Pass” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move from one place, position, or state to another.

"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.

"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.

"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.