English Reference
verb · adjective

passed

v. · adj.
US /ˈpæst/ UK /pˈɑːst/ passed

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    v.moved past a person or place.

    v.the past tense of 'pass', indicating movement beyond a specific point or person.

    Simple

    We passed the old church on our way to the beach.

    In context

    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.

    went bycleared
  2. 02 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.

    Simple

    She was so happy when she found out she passed her driving test.

    In context

    After months of intensive study, he finally passed the bar exam and was admitted to the legal profession.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    v.when time moved forward.

    v.the elapsing or progression of time.

    Simple

    Several hours passed while we waited for the train to arrive.

    In context

    As the weeks passed, the initial excitement of the project gave way to the steady grind of daily administration.

    elapsedwent by
  4. 04 A2 Elementary

    v.handed something to another person.

    v.transferred an object to another person, typically by hand.

    Simple

    He passed the salt to his sister during dinner.

    In context

    The witness passed the documents to the lawyer, who examined them closely for any signs of tampering.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    adj.having reached the necessary level to be qualified.

    adj.having successfully completed a specific qualification or assessment.

    Simple

    The list of passed candidates was posted on the school notice board.

    In context

    The department only interviews passed applicants who have already secured their professional certification.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun.

    Teacher's tip

    In modern English, we usually say 'successful candidates' rather than 'passed candidates' in general contexts.

Usage passed away · passed legislation · passed since

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated