pass
UK[pɑːs]US[pæs]
v
To move or go past, by, over, or through something.
v
To give something to someone using your hands.
v
To succeed in a test or examination.
v
(of time) To go by.
n
An official document that allows you to enter a place or travel on a vehicle.
n
A successful result in a test or examination.
n
A narrow route through a gap in mountains.
Etymology
The word 'pass' entered English in the 13th century from Old French 'passer', meaning 'to step, walk, or cross'. The Old French term itself evolved from the Latin verb 'passus', the past participle of 'pandere', meaning 'to stretch, spread out'. This Latin root is connected to the notion of a step or stride, a unit of measure. The semantic journey from the concrete action of taking a step, to crossing a space, and finally to the broad modern senses of moving by, transferring, or succeeding, illustrates a classic path of meaning generalization from physical motion to abstract achievement.
Analysis
The word 'pass' is a simplex form derived from Old French. It does not contain separable, meaningful morphemes within its modern English spelling.
Examples
Please let the ambulance pass.
Could you pass me the salt?
She was relieved to pass her driving test.