passage
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.a long, narrow space that connects one place to another, like a hallway in a building.
n.a narrow path, corridor, or hallway providing a means of transit between two locations.
Simple“The dark passage led from the kitchen to the back garden.”
In context“A secret passage was discovered behind the library's bookshelves, leading directly to the basement of the adjacent manor.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a short part of a book, speech, or piece of music.
n.a specific excerpt or segment of a literary work, speech, or musical composition.
Simple“The teacher asked us to read a short passage from the novel.”
In context“The pianist performed a particularly difficult passage with such grace that the audience remained silent for several seconds after he finished.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the act of moving from one place to another, or the way time goes by.
n.the process of moving through or across something, or the transition from one state or time to another.
Simple“The passage of time has changed the way the city looks.”
In context“The safe passage of the refugees across the border was the primary concern of the international aid agencies.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
n.the process of a new law being officially accepted by a government.
n.the official approval or enactment of a bill or resolution by a legislative body.
Simple“The passage of the new environmental law took several months of debate.”
In context“The sudden passage of the emergency bill surprised many political analysts who had predicted a lengthy stalemate in the senate.”
Synonyms - 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a narrow way through the sea or between islands.
n.a navigable channel or strait, often used in the context of maritime travel.
Simple“The ship took the northern passage to avoid the heavy storms.”
In context“Explorers spent centuries searching for a Northwest Passage that would link the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the Arctic.”
- 06 C1 Advanced
n.a tube-like part in the body that air or liquid flows through.
n.a duct or canal in the body through which fluids, air, or other substances travel.
Simple“The doctor checked his nasal passages to see why he couldn't breathe well.”
In context“Inflammation of the bronchial passages can lead to significant respiratory distress if not treated promptly with steroids.”
- 07 C2 Proficiency
v.to move a germ or cell from one environment to another in a lab.
v.to transfer a pathogen or cell culture through a series of hosts or growth media.
Simple“Scientists had to passage the virus several times to study how it changed.”
In context“The researchers decided to passage the strain through avian hosts to observe potential mutations in the protein structure.”
“But, for the 23-year-old, it is also a passage into a different, freer world - where she can find answers to forbidden questions.”
“The result leaves Celtic in a strong position heading into the second leg in Ried next Tuesday, needing to avoid a heavy defeat to secure passage into the Champions League.”
Borrowed into Middle English from Old French passage, from passer (“to pass”).
From French passager, from Italian passeggiare.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.