Word
passed
US/ˈpæst/
UK/pˈɑːst/
Definitions
01moved by
A2 · Elementary
v. moved past a person or place.
v. the past tense of 'pass', indicating movement beyond a specific point or person.
“We passed the old church on our way to the beach.”
“The hikers passed several abandoned cottages before reaching the summit, noting the decay of the stone walls.”
Pitfall
He past the ball to me.
He passed the ball to me.
'Passed' is the verb form. 'Past' is usually a noun, adjective, or preposition referring to time or position.
Synonyms
02succeeded in a test
A2 · Elementary
v. did well enough to succeed in an exam or a test.
v. successfully met the required standard in an examination, test, or inspection.
“She was so happy when she found out she passed her driving test.”
“After months of intensive study, he finally passed the bar exam and was admitted to the legal profession.”
Antonyms
03time went by
B1 · Intermediate
v. when time moved forward.
v. the elapsing or progression of time.
“Several hours passed while we waited for the train to arrive.”
“As the weeks passed, the initial excitement of the project gave way to the steady grind of daily administration.”
Synonyms
04gave something to someone
A2 · Elementary
v. handed something to another person.
v. transferred an object to another person, typically by hand.
“He passed the salt to his sister during dinner.”
“The witness passed the documents to the lawyer, who examined them closely for any signs of tampering.”
05having succeeded
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
adj. having reached the necessary level to be qualified.
adj. having successfully completed a specific qualification or assessment.
“The list of passed candidates was posted on the school notice board.”
“The department only interviews passed applicants who have already secured their professional certification.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun.
Teaching tip
In modern English, we usually say 'successful candidates' rather than 'passed candidates' in general contexts.
Antonyms
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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