noun
past
pahst
noun
1
The period of time before the present.
"She rarely talks about her past."
"Historians study the past to understand the present."
adjective
1
Having already happened or existed; former.
"Past students often return to visit the school."
preposition
1
Beyond in place, time, or amount.
"It's ten past six."
"He walked past the shop without noticing it was closed."
How to Use Past
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRefers to time or events that have already happened, or being beyond something in place or time.
Common mistake
Use "past" for the noun/adjective/preposition ("in the past," "past midnight"); use "passed" only as a verb form ("She passed the exam").
Easily confused with
Common pairings
in the past
past experience
quarter past
Word Forms
more past comparative, more past comparative, pasts plural, most past superlative, most past superlative
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She rarely talks about her _____.
Etymology
From the past participle of Middle English passen, "to pass, go by" — the same root as the modern verb "pass."