pass
pass Lexical Profile
pass Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An official card, ticket, or permit authorizing the holder to enter a restricted place, travel on public transport, or attend an event.
"Visitors must wear a security pass at all times while inside the research facility."
A navigable route, gap, or lower saddle through a mountain range that allows travel from one side of the highlands to the other.
"Heavy winter snows closed the high mountain pass until late spring."
An intentional transfer of the ball, puck, or other playing object from one teammate to another during a sporting match.
"The midfielder completed a precise pass across the field to set up the winning goal."
A successful grade or satisfactory result achieved in an academic examination, course, or practical test.
"She needed a strong pass on the final examination to qualify for the advanced seminar."
• verb
To move, proceed, or travel onward past a particular point, person, or obstacle.
"We watched the freight train pass slowly through the valley."
To transfer, hand over, or kick an object or ball to another person.
"Could you please pass the olive oil to the other end of the table?"
To achieve the required standard or a satisfactory grade in an examination, test, or course.
"Every student in the department managed to pass the certification exam on the first attempt."
To officially approve, enact, or adopt a law, proposal, or resolution by voting.
"The city council voted unanimously to pass the new environmental protection ordinance."
To elapse, go by, or come to an end (especially of time, a period, or an event).
"Several decades can pass before the saplings grow into a mature forest canopy."
Word Nuance & Usage
Often confused in its past tense form 'passed' with the homophone 'past'; 'passed' is strictly a verb form indicating completed motion or time, whereas 'past' functions as a noun, adjective, preposition, or adverb.
• Rhymes for pass
Word Origin & Etymology
Middle English, from Old French passer (to step, cross, or go by), from Vulgar Latin *passare, derived from Latin passus (a step or pace).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.