Pass Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (2024)

1 pass

/ˈpæs/ Brit /ˈpɑːs/

verb

passes;

passed;

passing

1 pass

/ˈpæs/ Brit /ˈpɑːs/

verb

passes;

passed;

passing

Britannica Dictionary definition of PASS

1

a

:

to move past someone or something

[no object]

  • The boat was too tall to pass beneath/under the bridge.

  • A flock of geese were passing overhead.

  • Stand here and don't let anyone pass. [=move past you]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

often + by

  • They pass by the library on their way to school.

  • I was just passing by and thought I'd stop and say hello.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

[+ object]

  • They pass the library every morning on their way to school.

  • The ships passed each other in the night.

  • We passed each other in the hallway without looking up.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

often + by

  • She was hoping he would stop and talk to her, but he passed her by.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

b

:

to move past someone or something that is moving more slowly in the same direction

[no object]

  • (US) “Is it safe to pass?” [=(Brit) overtake] “No, there's a car coming in the other lane.”

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

[+ object]

  • She passed two other runners just before the finish line.

  • He passed the slower cars on the highway.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

2

always followed by an adverb or preposition

a

[no object]

:

to move or go into or through a particular place

  • The drug passes quickly into the bloodstream.

  • In a solar eclipse, the moon passes between the sun and the Earth.

  • The airplane passed out of sight.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

often + through

  • Fear and panic passed through the crowd.

  • A river passes through the middle of the city.

  • Millions of tourists pass through the museum every year.

  • The paper passes through the fax machine and comes out the other end.

  • The bullet passed through his shoulder.

  • We passed through Texas on our way to Mexico.

  • We're just passing through. [=staying here for a very short time]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

b

[+ object]

:

to cause (something) to move or go in a specified way

  • Pass the end of the string through the loop.

  • He passed the rope around the pole.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

3

[+ object]

:

to give (something) to someone using your hands

  • She passed the baby back to his mother.

  • Would you please pass the salt?

  • Pass [=hand] me the butter, please.

  • They started passing around pictures of their trip.

  • Take one sheet and pass the rest down/on/along. [=take one sheet and give the rest to the next person]

  • Can you pass that screwdriver over to me?

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

4

sports

:

to throw, hit, or kick a ball or puck to a teammate

[+ object]

  • Pass me the ball! = Pass the ball to me!

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

[no object]

  • She passed to her teammate who then scored a goal.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

5

[+ object]

a

:

to cause someone to have or be affected by (something that you have had or been affected by)

  • The disease was passed from mother to child. = She passed the disease to her child.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

often + on

  • She contracted the disease and passed it on to her child.

  • Gas prices have risen, forcing companies to pass the cost on to the consumer.

  • We lowered our costs and are now able to pass on the savings to our customers.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

sometimes + along

  • We're passing the savings along to our customers.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

b

:

to give (information) to another person

often + on

  • Doctors need to pass this information on to their patients.

  • Everyone's invited to the party. Pass it on! [=tell people that everyone is invited]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

often + along

  • They quickly passed the word along that the meeting was postponed.

  • He told me about it, and now I'm passing it along to you.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

6

[no object]

a

:

to go from one person to another person

  • The rumor quickly passed [=spread] from person to person.

  • The book passed from hand to hand.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

b

:

to be given to someone especially according to a law, rule, etc.

  • The throne passed to the king's son.

  • Ownership passes to the buyer upon payment in full.

  • After her death, the house passed into the hands of her granddaughter. [=her granddaughter became the owner of the house]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

7

of time

a

[no object]

:

to go by

  • Several months passed before I received a reply.

  • He became sleepy as the time passed.

  • The days pass quickly when you're on vacation.

  • Another day passed without any news about the whereabouts of their missing son.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

b

[+ object]

:

to let (time or a period of time) go by especially while you are doing something enjoyable

  • He passes [=spends] his days reading and taking walks around the neighborhood.

  • They passed the evening playing cards.

  • We played games to pass the time on the bus.

  • I walked over to my neighbor's house to pass the time of day. [=to have a friendly and informal conversation]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

8

[no object]

a

:

to happen or take place

  • The meeting passed without incident.

  • He hoped that his mistake would pass unnoticed. [=not be noticed by anyone]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

often + between

  • A meaningful glance passed between them. [=they glanced at each other in a meaningful way]

  • It's hard to believe that they're still friends after everything that's passed between them.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

b

:

to end or go away

  • She couldn't let the moment pass (away) without saying something.

  • This crisis will soon pass. [=will soon be over]

  • A storm had just passed.

  • They waited until it was clear that the danger had passed.

  • They were happy once, but that time has passed. [=that time is over]

  • The era of the traveling salesman has passed into history. [=traveling salesmen no longer exist]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

9

[no object]

:

to be done, said, etc., without producing a response

  • I disagreed with what he said, but I let it pass. [=I did not say anything in response to his remark]

  • She let his remark pass without comment.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

10

[no object]

a

:

to not take, accept, or use something that is offered to you

  • Thanks for the offer, but I'll pass.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

often + on

  • He passed on the cake. [=he did not eat any cake]

  • I think I'll pass on going with you.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

b

:

to decide not to do something at a particular point in a game (such as a card game) when it is your turn

  • “I bid three of hearts.” “I pass.”

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

11

a

:

to complete (a test, class, etc.) successfully

[+ object]

  • He failed his driver's test the first time he took it, but he passed it the second time.

  • I almost didn't pass my French class this semester.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

[no object]

  • “How did you do on the test?” “I passed!”

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

b

[+ object]

:

to decide that (someone) has passed an examination or course of study

  • The teacher said she couldn't pass me because I failed all of my tests.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

12

a

[+ object]

:

to officially approve (a law, bill, etc.)

  • Congress passed a law banning the sale of automatic rifles.

  • The measure was passed by both the House and the Senate.

  • We've been trying to get this legislation passed for several months now.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

b

chiefly US

:

to become approved by (a legislature)

[+ object]

  • The measure passed both the House and the Senate.

  • The bill passed the House but was defeated/rejected by the Senate.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

[no object]

  • The proposal passed (into law).

  • The bill failed to pass in the Senate.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

13

[+ object]

formal

:

to say or state (something) especially in an official way

  • Before passing sentence [=announcing the punishment], the judge commented on the seriousness of the crime.

  • The court is now ready to pass judgment.

  • It would be premature to pass judgment on [=to state an opinion on] his place in history.

  • Don't pass judgment on me [=don't criticize me] until you know all the facts.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

14

[+ object]

:

to go beyond (a number or amount)

usually used with mark

  • It's an extremely successful movie that has just passed [=exceeded, surpassed] the $100 million mark. [=it has earned more than $100 million]

  • I've passed the half-century mark. [=I am over 50 years old]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

15

[no object]

:

to change from one state or form to another

  • The water passes from a liquid to a gas.

  • passing through the different stages of human development

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

16

[no object]

:

to be good enough

:

to be adequate

  • The work isn't perfect, but it will pass. [=will do]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

17

[+ object]

:

to illegally use (checks, bills, etc., with no real value) as money

  • They were charged with passing bad checks.

  • He was trying to pass counterfeit money.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

18

[+ object]

:

to have (something) come out from your body

  • He had been passing blood in his urine. [=blood had been appearing in his urine]

  • pass a kidney stone

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

see also pass gas at 1gas, pass water at 1water

19

[no object]

:

to die

used as a polite way to avoid saying the word “die”

  • I'm sorry, but your grandfather has passed.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

see also pass away, pass on (below)

come to pass

see 1come

pass as

[phrasal verb]

1

pass as (someone or something)

:

to cause people to believe that you are (someone or something that you are not)

  • He thought that growing a mustache would help him pass as an adult.

  • Your mom could pass as your sister!

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

2

pass as (something)

:

to be accepted or regarded as (something)

  • the ancient practices that once passed as [=passed for] science

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

pass away

[phrasal verb]

:

to die

used as a polite way to avoid saying the word “die”

  • Her father passed away.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

pass by

[phrasal verb]

pass (someone) by

:

to happen without being noticed or acted upon by (someone)

  • Don't let this opportunity pass (you) by!

  • I realized that I was letting life pass me by.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

see also 1pass 1a (above)

pass down

[phrasal verb]

pass (something) down

or

pass down (something)

:

to give (something) to a younger person especially within the same family

  • She will pass down her diamond ring to her niece.

  • It's a family recipe passed down [=handed down] from my great-grandmother.

  • The painting is a family heirloom that has been passed down through the generations.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

pass for

[phrasal verb]

pass for (something)

:

to be accepted or regarded as (something)

  • I can't believe the garbage that's passing for [=passing as] art these days.

  • the tasteless soup that was supposed to pass for our dinner

  • What passes for entertainment around here?

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

pass in

[phrasal verb]

pass (something) in

or

pass in (something)

:

to give (something) to a person who will review it

  • Students should pass their papers in before they leave.

  • He passed in [=handed in] his test.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

pass muster

see 2muster

pass off

[phrasal verb]

1

pass (someone or something) off as (someone or something)

or

pass off (someone or something) as (someone or something)

:

to cause people to wrongly believe that someone or something is someone or something else

  • amateurs passing themselves off as professionals

  • He managed to pass himself off as the son of the famous actor.

  • She passed the poem off as her own.

  • They tried to pass it off as an original painting, but I suspected it was a copy.

  • a cheap piece of glass passed off as a diamond

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

2

British

:

to happen or take place in a particular way

  • The event passed off [=went off] with no major incidents.

  • The evening passed off quietly.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

pass on

[phrasal verb]

:

to die

used as a polite way to avoid saying the word “die”

  • Her parents have passed on.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

pass out

[phrasal verb]

1

:

to fall asleep or become unconscious

  • They both passed out in front of the TV.

  • I felt like I was going to pass out from exhaustion.

  • He drank until he passed out.

  • Someone was passed out on the floor. [=someone was lying unconscious on the floor]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

2

pass out (something)

or

pass (something) out

:

to give (something) to several or many people

  • They passed out [=handed out, distributed] copies of the newsletter.

  • The teacher hasn't finished passing out the tests yet.

  • She passed out flyers at the grocery store.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

pass over

[phrasal verb]

1

pass over (someone)

or

pass (someone) over

:

to not choose (someone) for a job, position, etc.

  • When it came time to select the recipient of the award, the committee once again passed him over. [=the committee did not give him an award]

  • The quarterback was passed over by other teams.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

often + for

  • She was passed over for another promotion.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

2

pass over (something)

or

pass (something) over

:

to leave out (something)

  • passing over [=skipping] the more boring parts of the book

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

:

to not discuss or deal with (something)

  • Let's pass over the technical details and get straight to the parts that really interest you.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

pass the buck

see 1buck

pass the hat

see hat

pass the torch

see 1torch

pass up

[phrasal verb]

pass up (something)

or

pass (something) up

:

to not take or accept (something that is offered to you)

  • We couldn't afford to pass up her offer.

  • Her offer was too good to pass up.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

pass your lips

1

of words

:

to come out of your mouth

:

to be spoken

  • The word “quit” has never passed her lips. [=she has never said the word “quit”]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

2

of food or drink

:

to go into your mouth

:

to be eaten or drunk

  • He refused to let alcohol pass his lips. [=he never drank alcohol]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

2 pass

/ˈpæs/ Brit /ˈpɑːs/

noun

plural

passes

2 pass

/ˈpæs/ Brit /ˈpɑːs/

noun

plural

passes

Britannica Dictionary definition of PASS

[count]

1

sports

:

an act of throwing, hitting, or kicking a ball or puck to a teammate

  • throwing/making/completing a perfect pass to a teammate

  • a forward pass

  • He caught a 20-yard pass from Johnson.

  • The quarterback threw two touchdown passes in the first half of the game.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

see also bounce pass, screen pass, shovel pass

2

:

a card or ticket which shows that you are allowed to enter or leave a particular place or to ride a vehicle

  • a one-day/weekend/season pass to the amusement park

  • Each new student will be given a bus pass. [=a ticket that permits you to ride the bus]

  • We won backstage passes [=cards that allow you to go behind the stage] for tonight's concert.

  • (US) You have to get a hall pass [=a card that shows you have permission to be out of class during class time] from the teacher.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

see also boarding pass

3

:

a single, complete set of actions that are done together as a stage in a process

  • The machine is able to print on both sides in a single pass.

  • I did another pass to check for any spelling mistakes in my essay.

  • The error was discovered in the next pass through the data.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

4

:

an act of moving over a place

  • The planes made several passes over the area.

  • The pilot spotted the missing group on a second pass.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

5

chiefly British

:

a grade which shows that you have passed a test or class

  • I got a pass in my History class.

  • The required pass mark was 75 percent.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

make a pass at

:

to do or say something that clearly shows you want to begin a romantic or sexual relationship with (someone)

  • He made a pass at his wife's friend.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

compare 3pass

3 pass

/ˈpæs/ Brit /ˈpɑːs/

noun

plural

passes

3 pass

/ˈpæs/ Brit /ˈpɑːs/

noun

plural

passes

Britannica Dictionary definition of PASS

1

[count]

:

a low place in a mountain range where a road or path goes through

  • a mountain pass = a pass through the mountains

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

2

[singular]

somewhat formal

:

a usually bad situation or condition

  • We had come to a very strange pass.

  • What brought them to such a sorry pass?

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

compare 2pass

Pass Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (2024)

FAQs

Pass Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary? ›

Britannica Dictionary definition of PASS. 1. a : to move past someone or something. [no object] The boat was too tall to pass beneath/under the bridge.

What is the full meaning of pass? ›

: to move in a path so as to approach and continue beyond something : move past. especially : to move past another vehicle going in the same direction. glowered at the other driver as we passed.

What is the root meaning of pass? ›

-pass- comes from Latin, where it has the meaning "step; pace. '' This meaning is found in such words as: bypass, compass, encompass, impasse, pass, passable, passage, passageway, passport, surpass, trespass, underpass.

What does pass the word mean? ›

If you pass the word, you tell someone something that another person has told you. Friends passed the word that the miners wanted to see him. See full dictionary entry for word.

What does pass mean in vocabulary? ›

to move past; go by: Make sure to use your turn signal when you pass another car on the road. to let go without notice, action, remark, etc.; leave unconsidered; disregard; overlook: Pass chapter two and go on to chapter three. Synonyms: ignore.

Why does pass mean? ›

pass verb (GO PAST)

to go past something or someone or move in relation to it, him, or her: I passed him on the stairs this morning.

What is the synonym of pass? ›

as in go by, elapse; move onwardas in surpass, beatas in succeed, graduateas in give, transferas in ceaseas in enact, legislateas in express formallyas in decide not to doas in rid of waste.

What is the word pass in the Bible? ›

In the King James Version "pass" sometimes has the force of "surpass," "exceed," e.g. 2 Chronicles 9:22, "King Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom"; compare also Ephesians 3:19, "the love of Christ which passeth knowledge," and Philippians 4:7, "the peace of God, which passeth all ...

Where did the term pass come from? ›

From Middle English pas, pase, pace, from passen (“to pass”).

What is a pass in slang? ›

In general getting a pass means you have permission to do something that is normally against the rules witnout consequence. in romantic relationships, sometimes getting a pass means your partner is giving you permission to have a romantic encounter outside of the relationship if there are unusual circumstances.

What does pass mean in a relationship? ›

: to do or say something that clearly shows one wants to begin a romantic or sexual relationship with (someone) He made a pass at his wife's friend.

What does pass a good word mean? ›

to say positive things about someone: I really need a job and I was hoping you might put in a good word for me with your boss. Praising and applauding. acclaim. acclamation.

What does it mean to pass a person? ›

To pass someone or something means to go past them without stopping.

What is pass word meaning? ›

pass·​word -ˌwərd. 1. : a word or phrase that must be spoken by a person in order to pass a guard. 2. : a secret series of numbers or letters required for access to a computer.

What does the word pass stand for? ›

It's easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if you can remember the acronym PASS, which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. Pull the pin.

What will pass mean? ›

If you say a state or feeling will pass, you mean it will disappear: Don't worry, his depression is only temporary - it'll soon pass.

What does the acronym pass stand for? ›

It's easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if you can remember the acronym PASS, which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. Pull the pin. This will allow you to discharge the extinguisher. Aim at the base of the fire.

What does it mean when someone says pass? ›

It means that you will let the offense 'pass' or let it go. like handing that person a get out of jail free card for what they just did because you felt it wasn't worth the effort to get mad about it. 3. 1.

What does pass name mean? ›

English: topographic name from Middle English pas(e) 'path, passage' (Old French pas), perhaps signifying someone who lived at or near a passage or a place so named. Compare Passage . Similar surnames: Pass Pascal Passe Passman.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Gregorio Kreiger

Last Updated:

Views: 6233

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (57 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Gregorio Kreiger

Birthday: 1994-12-18

Address: 89212 Tracey Ramp, Sunside, MT 08453-0951

Phone: +9014805370218

Job: Customer Designer

Hobby: Mountain biking, Orienteering, Hiking, Sewing, Backpacking, Mushroom hunting, Backpacking

Introduction: My name is Gregorio Kreiger, I am a tender, brainy, enthusiastic, combative, agreeable, gentle, gentle person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.