pass
She passed through the door quickly.
She moved through the door quickly.
to move or go through a place or space
The train passed the station without stopping.
The train moved through the station without stopping.
Commonly used to describe movement through a physical space.
to hand something to someone
Can you pass the salt, please?
Can you hand me the salt, please?
Often used in informal contexts.
to approve or allow something to proceed
The bill was passed by the Senate.
The bill was approved by the Senate.
Used in formal or official contexts.
to succeed in a test or examination
She passed her driving test on the first try.
She succeeded in her driving test on the first try.
Commonly used in educational contexts.
to transfer something to someone else
He passed the baton to the next runner.
He handed the baton to the next runner.
Used in sports and other contexts.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The meaning of 'pass' can vary greatly depending on the context. Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand its specific meaning.
Gold Rule
Physical vs. Abstract
Remember that 'pass' can refer to both physical movement (e.g., passing through a door) and abstract concepts (e.g., passing a test).
Word Origin
From Middle English 'passen', from Old French 'passer', from Latin 'passare' meaning 'to step, pass'
Usage Notes
The word 'pass' is highly versatile and can be used in various contexts, from physical movement to approval or success. It is commonly used in both formal and informal settings.