What does pass mean?
Pass is a common English verb with several related meanings. Its central idea is movement from one place or person to another: someone can pass another person, pass a message to a colleague, or pass through a town. In time contexts, pass describes movement or elapsed duration, as in the phrase the weeks passed slowly. It can also mean succeeding in an examination or receiving approval, while “pass” as a noun may denote permission, a successful result, or a route through a mountainous area. The word is consequently useful in discussions of movement, communication, time, achievement, permission, and institutional decisions. Its range of meanings makes it a familiar part of everyday speech, though specific phrases such as pass away, pass over, and pass the time develop additional conventional meanings. Pass is generally neutral in tone, although the expression pass oneself off as something can imply deception.
To move by, through, or beyond something; to give or hand something over; to proceed or happen; or to succeed in a test or receive approval.
"She passed the exam and was offered a place at the university."
The meaning varies with context, especially when pass is used for giving information, approving a decision, or describing the movement of time.
A route through a difficult area, permission to enter or use something, a successful result in an examination, or an attempt to approach someone.
"The mountain pass remained covered in snow until late spring."
The noun sense is often determined by phrases such as a mountain pass, a backstage pass, or a passing grade.
The plural is passes, with a final -es sound.
"The passes through the mountains are closed during severe winter weather."
Pass comes from the Latin root pandere, meaning “to spread” or “to open,” which explains how the word came to suggest opening a way through.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of pass
The word comes through Middle English passer, from Old French passer, “to pass,” which was based on Vulgar Latin passare. That form developed from the Latin verb pandere, meaning “to spread,” “stretch,” or “open.” The sense developed from physically opening or extending a way and then came to mean going across or beyond a place, as well as being approved or allowed to proceed.
Related word forms
How pass is actually used
Pass is highly versatile and common in both formal and informal English. In examinations and institutional contexts, it often means to achieve the required standard; in sports, it can refer to transferring a ball; and in phrases such as pass away and pass over, it has specialized meanings that should be learned in context.
Easily confused with pass
Past usually indicates a former time or a position beyond something, while pass is commonly a verb meaning to move by something or a noun referring to permission or a route.