What is passing? Pronunciation and usage in English

passing means . Learn how to pronounce and use passing through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of passing

passingadjective

/ˈpɑːsɪŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of passing

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "passing" in English. There are two common pronunciations, and it depends on where you are and which style you're aiming for.

1. The Most Common American Pronunciation:

  • pah-SING (rhymes with "dancing")
    • pah: Like the "pa" in "father"
    • SING: Like the word "sing"

2. The British Pronunciation:

  • PASS-ing (rhymes with "grass")
    • PASS: Like the word "pass"
    • ing: As in "singing"

Here's a breakdown to help you distinguish them:

  • American: Focus on a clear, bright "sing" sound.
  • British: More of a short, simple "pass" sound.

Resources to hear the pronunciation:

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  • Where are you located (generally)? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.) This will help me determine which pronunciation is more likely to be expected.

Usage and examples with the word passing in English

Let's break down how to use the word "passing" in English. It’s a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here’s a detailed breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb (Action - Moving Through)

  • Moving Across a Space: This is the most common meaning. It means to move from one place to another.

    • Example: "The runner was passing the finish line."
    • Example: “The car was passing the school.”
    • Example: "He quickly passed me on the sidewalk."

  • Transferring Something (Often Ownership or Responsibility):

    • Example: "She’s passing the responsibility to her assistant." (Meaning she’s giving it to someone else)
    • Example: "The baton was passed during the relay race." (Meaning transferred from one runner to another)
    • Example: “He passed on the book to his friend.” (Meaning he gave it to him.)

  • Moving Through a State (Temporary Condition):

    • Example: "The drug is passing through his system." (Meaning it's being absorbed or processed.)
    • Example: “The fever is passing.” (Meaning it’s going away.)

2. As an Adjective (Describing a State)

  • Successfully Completing a Test or Exam: This is a very common usage in education.

    • Example: "He passed his driving test."
    • Example: “She passed the exam with a good grade.”
    • Example: "Did you pass your citizenship test?"

  • Successfully Completing a Qualification or Requirement: Similar to passing a test.

    • Example: “He passed his probation period at work.”

  • Being Accepted (Often for a Job or Opportunity):

    • Example: "She passed the interview."
    • Example: “He passed the screening process.”

  • (Informal - Appearing to be Healthy or Well): Often used to describe someone who is looking good or is recovering.

    • Example: “He looks like he’s passing.” (Meaning he looks better, perhaps recovering from an illness) - Note: This is an informal phrase.

3. As a Noun (Thing or Event)

  • The Act of Passing: Referring to the act of moving or transferring.

    • Example: “The passing of time.” (referring to the flow of time)
    • Example: "There was a brief passing of the crowd as they left the concert."

  • Relapse (Medical Context - Rarely Used): In medicine, passing can sometimes be used to describe a temporary remission of a disease. (However, “relapse” is far more common.)

4. Idiomatic Expressions

  • Passing Through: (noun) - A temporary stop or visit.

    • Example: "We're just passing through on our way to the coast."

  • Passing On: (verb) – To die. (A euphemism)

    • Example: “I was saddened to hear about his passing on.”

  • Passing Glance: A brief and quick look.

    • Example: “I caught a passing glance of her across the room.”

Tips for Understanding the Context

The meaning of "passing" is almost always clear from the surrounding words and the overall situation.

  • Look for verbs: When you see “passing,” it typically means movement or transfer.
  • Look for adjectives: When you see “passing,” it often describes a successful outcome or a state of being.

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  • What specific context are you interested in? (e.g., education, sports, general conversation?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word passing

Idioms of the word passing

in passing
done or said when your main focus is something different
  • He only mentioned it in passing and didn't give any details.

Practice with vocabulary passing

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Despite the difficulty, her ______ score on the final exam secured her admission to the program.
  2. The committee's recommendation was based on the ______ review of all submitted proposals.
  3. The board meeting focused on the ______ of new regulations, which will take effect next quarter.
  4. We witnessed only a ______ glimpse of the comet as it soared across the night sky.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The inspector noted several minor issues, but ultimately gave the factory's new safety protocol a ______ grade. A) failing B) passing C) excellent D) conditional

  2. During the presentation, a critical error was made, which went unnoticed until much later, effectively ______ the peer review process. A) bypassing B) overlooking C) exceeding D) evading

  3. The team's strategy involved carefully ______ the legislative amendments through various parliamentary stages. A) negotiating B) guiding C) passing D) enacting

  4. The project manager emphasized the ______ nature of the current market volatility, advising against panic-driven decisions. A) transient B) permanent C) stable D) enduring

  5. Her initial proposal did not meet the stringent criteria, requiring further revision before it stood any chance of ______ the ethics committee. A) passing B) convincing C) appeasing D) satisfying

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The supervisor only gave a quick look at the report, not really examining the details. Rewrite (must use "passing"):

  2. Original: The company decided to delay their decision on the new product launch until further market research was conducted. Rewrite (do not use "passing"):

  3. Original: After several weeks of debate, the council approved the new zoning ordinance unanimously. Rewrite (must use "passing"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. passing
  2. thorough
  3. passing
  4. brief

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) passing
  2. A) bypassing, D) evading
  3. C) passing
  4. A) transient
  5. A) passing

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The supervisor only gave a passing glance at the report, not really examining the details.
  2. The company decided to postpone their decision on the new product launch until further market research was conducted.
  3. After several weeks of debate, the council ensured the passing of the new zoning ordinance unanimously.

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