pass
- 01 A1 Beginner
v.to move past something or someone.
v.to move past a person, object, or location so as to leave it behind.
Simple“I saw him pass my house on his bicycle this morning.”
In context“The satellite is scheduled to pass over the northern hemisphere at approximately three in the morning.”
- 02 A1 Beginner
- 03 A2 Elementary
v.to be successful in an exam or a course.
v.to achieve the required standard in an examination, test, or course of study.
Simple“She was so happy to pass her driving test on the first try.”
In context“Candidates must pass the written evaluation before they are permitted to attempt the practical demonstration.”
PitfallI passed in the exam. I passed the exam.In standard English, 'pass' is transitive when referring to exams; do not use the preposition 'in'.
- 04 B1 Intermediate
v.when time goes by.
v.to elapse or move forward in time.
Simple“As the weeks pass, I am starting to feel more at home here.”
In context“Several hours passed in complete silence as the researchers waited for the chemical reaction to stabilise.”
Synonymselapsego by - 05 B1 Intermediate
v.to choose not to take a turn or an opportunity.
v.to refrain from taking up an opportunity, or to decline one's turn in a game.
Simple“I think I'll pass on dessert tonight; I'm too full.”
In context“When the opportunity for a promotion arose, he decided to pass, citing a desire to maintain his current work-life balance.”
- 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to be officially accepted by a government or group.
v.to be officially approved or enacted by a legislative body.
Simple“The new law will pass if enough people vote for it.”
In context“The bill finally passed the Senate after weeks of intense negotiation and several significant amendments.”
- 07 A2 Elementary
n.a piece of paper or a card that lets you enter a place or travel.
n.a document or permit granting authorisation to enter a restricted area or use a service.
Simple“You need a security pass to get into the office building.”
In context“The all-access pass allowed the journalists to enter the backstage area and interview the performers after the show.”
- 08 B1 Intermediate
n.a path or road through a mountain range.
n.a navigable route through a mountain range or over a ridge.
Simple“The mountain pass was closed because of the heavy snow.”
In context“The ancient trade route wound through a narrow pass that was easily defended against invading armies.”
- 09 A2 Elementary
n.the act of kicking or throwing a ball to a teammate.
n.the intentional transfer of a ball or puck to a teammate during play.
Simple“It was a perfect pass, and his teammate scored easily.”
In context“The midfielder executed a brilliant diagonal pass that bypassed the entire defensive line.”
Usage pass in front · pass a law
* As an English surname, from a pet form of the medieval name Passe, itself probably a pet form of Pascal. * As a German surname, from the noun Pass (“pass, passageway”). * As a Jewish surname, from Polish pas (“belt, girdle”). * Also as an English surname, from Middle English passe, referring to passages. Compare Passage.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.