# pas

/ˈpɑz/ (US) · /pˈæs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pas
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a dance step

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a single step or a specific movement in a dance, especially in ballet.

For teachers: a step or movement in a dance, particularly a formalised movement in classical ballet.

- The dancer performed a graceful pas across the stage during the solo.
- The choreographer demanded a more precise execution of the pas, insisting that the dancers maintain perfect alignment during the transition.

### 2. social precedence

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Formal

the right to go first or be treated as more important than others because of your rank.

For teachers: the right of precedence or the privilege of going foremost in a social or political hierarchy.

- In the old court, the duke always had the pas over the count.
- The dispute over who should take the pas at the state dinner reflected deeper tensions within the diplomatic corps.

## Examples

- The dancer performed a perfect pas de deux.
- The diplomat's careful pas was designed to avoid offending either side during the delicate negotiations.
- The choreographer integrated a traditional pas into the modern routine, bridging the gap between classical technique and contemporary expression.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.