Pass Meaning
Pass Definition & Usage
To move or travel from one place to another, typically beyond a specific point.
Examples
- "We passed through the tunnel on our way to the city."
- "The train passed the station without stopping."
- "The car passed us on the highway."
- "She passed by my house this morning."
- "The boat passed through the narrow canal."
To accept or approve something, especially in an official or formal way.
Examples
- "The committee passed the new proposal unanimously."
- "The law was passed after a long debate."
- "She passed the exam with flying colors."
- "He passed the responsibility onto his assistant."
- "The bill passed through the Senate last week."
To fail or decline to succeed or to be accepted.
Examples
- "Unfortunately, he passed on the opportunity."
- "I passed on your invitation to the concert."
- "She passed on the chance to lead the project."
- "They passed up the opportunity to invest in the new startup."
- "He passed over my suggestion during the meeting."
To die, or to transition from one state or condition to another.
Examples
- "She passed away quietly in her sleep."
- "The elderly man passed last night after a long illness."
- "When the old king passed, the throne was inherited by his son."
- "The plant passed from one season to the next."
- "He passed into the next life, leaving a legacy behind."
A document or card that gives permission to move through a restricted area or to access certain privileges.
Examples
- "He showed his pass to enter the restricted area."
- "I need a pass to enter the concert hall."
- "The students were given a pass to skip class for the day."
- "They were granted a special pass to visit the museum after hours."
- "You need a parking pass to park in this area."
Cultural Context
The word 'pass' has been used in various ways for centuries, originating from the Old French verb 'passer'. It appears in a range of contexts, from legal and formal to informal and everyday uses, demonstrating its versatility in the English language.
The Last Train Home
Story
The Last Train Home
It was a cold winter evening when Mark stood at the platform, waiting for the last train home. He had been working late, finishing up a report that his boss had given him at the last minute. As the train pulled into the station, he noticed an old man, his face lined with time, sitting quietly on a bench. Mark passed by him, giving him a quick nod of acknowledgment, but then hesitated. The old man seemed familiar, like someone Mark had known from his childhood. He passed by so many people every day, but something about the old man's presence felt different. Sitting across from the old man in the train, Mark asked, 'Excuse me, do you mind if I sit here?' The man nodded, and they began to chat. As they talked, Mark learned that the old man had lived in this city his whole life, and his stories seemed to pass the time quickly. They talked about everything from the history of the train station to the changing skyline of the city. It was almost as if the man had witnessed the entire transformation of the city itself. Soon, the train slowed, and Mark realized he had to pass through one last set of doors to exit the station. But as the train pulled into his stop, he heard the old man’s voice in the distance, 'Time passes, my friend, and you pass through it whether you like it or not.' Mark thought for a moment and nodded, understanding that everything, even moments like these, passes by. The moment had passed, but the lesson remained. As Mark left the train station, he saw the old man slowly pass by him, his form growing smaller in the distance. The thought of passing on such a valuable moment had crossed his mind, but now, he was glad he hadn’t let it pass him by.
Related Words
