What does passing mean?
“Passing” is a common English word with several related uses. As an adjective, it most often describes something temporary or short-lived, as in a passing storm or passing interest. It can also mean acceptable or satisfactory, especially in the expression “a passing grade.” As a noun, it refers to the act of moving onward or going by, and in sports it may refer to a shot that passes a defending player. The word can also be used as a verbal noun or participle, as in “the passing of time” or “passing cars.” Its broad sense of movement connects it to “pass,” from which many related words developed. The word is useful because it can express both brief duration and successful movement or approval without requiring a more technical expression.
Temporary, brief, or lasting only for a short time; also, meeting a required standard.
"The candidate passed the test with a passing score."
In “a passing thought,” “passing interest,” and similar phrases, it means fleeting or of little lasting importance.
The act of moving or proceeding from one place, person, or stage to another; also, a passing shot in a sport.
"The passing of the baton marked the beginning of the final relay leg."
The phrase “a passing of” is more formal than the everyday expression “the passing of time.”
The present participle of “pass,” meaning moving onward, proceeding, or happening.
"We watched the train passing through the station."
As a verb form, “passing” functions as a participle or gerund and is inflected according to the main verb “pass.”
In everyday English, a passing thought can remain in the mind for only a moment, but in grammar, “passing” can also mean approved or accepted: a passing grade is a satisfactory result.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does passing come from?
“Passing” comes from the verb “pass,” which ultimately derives from Latin passare, “to step or pass by.” The Latin root passus, meaning “step” or “stepping,” also underlies words such as “passage,” “passenger,” and “passport.” In English, the present participle “passing” developed both the adjective sense of moving or proceeding and the figurative sense of something temporary or happening in passing.
Related word forms
How passing is actually used
The adjective is common in both formal and informal English. “A passing thought” and “a passing fancy” often suggest that something is brief and unlikely to have a lasting influence. “A passing grade” is especially common in American English; British speakers may also use “a pass” or “a satisfactory grade.”
Easily confused with passing
Passing can mean brief or temporary, while passive describes behavior that accepts or avoids action rather than actively responding.