The spelling of the phrase "pass over" is not entirely intuitive when considering its pronunciation. The initial "p" is followed by an "a" sound which assimilates into a short "e" sound when pronounced as a native speaker would. The double "s" after the "a" sound indicates a short, sharp "s" sound. The final "o" is pronounced with a long "o" sound, which then merges with the "ver" to form a single syllable that is pronounced "oh-ver". The IPA phonetic transcription for "pass over" is /pæs ˈoʊvər/.
Pass over is a verb phrase that can have multiple meanings and uses. The first definition refers to the act of going across or beyond something, typically by traveling from one side to another. It involves moving over an obstacle, a gap, or a physical boundary. For instance, one can pass over a river by using a bridge, or pass over a mountain range by crossing through a tunnel.
Pass over can also describe the action of overlooking or disregarding something or someone. In this context, it implies deliberately ignoring or not giving attention to a particular matter or individual. For example, a supervisor might pass over an employee for a promotion due to unsatisfactory performance or some other reason.
Additionally, pass over is commonly used to represent the act of moving by or bypassing something without stopping or intervening. This can be applied to situations where one avoids becoming involved in a conflict or choosing not to participate in an activity. For instance, one might decide to pass over a controversial debate or pass over a social gathering because of other commitments.
Overall, pass over encompasses the notions of crossing over, disregarding, and bypassing. Its diverse meanings allow for a range of interpretations depending on the context in which it is used.
The phrase "pass over" has its roots in the Old English word "passūfan" which meant "to go through, pass across". This word can be traced back to the combination of two elements: "pass" and "over". "Pass" comes from the Latin word "passus" meaning "step, stride", and "over" is derived from the Old English word "ofer", which means "beyond, across". Over time, "pass over" has taken on various meanings and connotations depending on the context in which it is used.