Passing Meaning
Passing Definition & Usage
To move from one side to another, often indicating movement across space or along a path.
Examples
- "He was passing through the city when he saw the accident."
- "The car passed quickly by the bus stop."
- "The river passes through the valley and empties into the sea."
- "The train passed the station without stopping."
- "She was passing me in the hallway when I called her name."
The act or instance of something coming to an end or transitioning from one state to another, often used in reference to death, life stages, or transitions.
Examples
- "After a long illness, his passing was peaceful."
- "The passing of time is something we all must accept."
- "The passing of seasons changes the landscape."
- "Her passing marked the end of an era in the company."
- "The passing of the old law led to significant reforms."
Describing something that is temporary, brief, or momentary.
Examples
- "His fame was passing, but it was exciting while it lasted."
- "They had a passing interest in the new movie but quickly forgot about it."
- "It was a passing moment of joy during a stressful day."
- "She gave him a passing glance before continuing on her way."
- "The passing trend of the year was quickly replaced by something else."
Cultural Context
The word 'passing' has a long history in the English language, originating from the Old French word 'passer' and related to Latin roots. While commonly used in the context of movement, it also has significant cultural and emotional weight when referring to death or transitions, particularly in funeral and memorial contexts. It reflects both the literal passing of physical space and the more figurative passage of time or life stages.
The Passing Breeze
Story
The Passing Breeze
In a small coastal village, there was a story about an old lighthouse keeper, whose passing had left a void in the community. Everyone remembered his warm smile and his habit of waving to passing ships. The village was so used to the lighthouse flashing its guiding light every evening that it felt strange when the light was no longer visible. But, life had moved on. The seasons had passed, bringing a new generation to the shores. On one such evening, a young boy, Michael, sat by the docks with his grandfather, remembering the old man. 'It's funny,' Michael said, 'how things pass us by without us realizing.' His grandfather nodded, 'The tide comes in and goes out, just like time.' As they sat in silence, a light breeze passed them by, carrying with it the smell of the sea. For a moment, Michael thought he saw the old keeper's face in the mist. The passing moment was fleeting, but its memory stayed with him, like the unbroken rhythm of the waves. 'All things pass,' his grandfather murmured, 'but nothing truly disappears.'
Related Words
