The spelling of the word "passage" can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "pas" is pronounced with the short "a" sound, as in "cat" (pæs). The second syllable "sage" is pronounced with the soft "j" sound, as in "usage" (sɑːdʒ). When combined, the word is pronounced as "PAS-ij" (ˈpæsɪdʒ). "Passage" refers to a narrow space or a thoroughfare, and it is commonly used in both written and spoken English.
A passage is a noun that refers to a written or spoken piece of work, typically found within a larger body of text or speech. It can also refer to an act of passing from one place to another or a narrow space that allows for movement.
In the context of literature or texts, a passage is a portion or section that is distinct and noteworthy for its content, style, or importance. It often serves to convey a specific idea, express a particular theme, or provide insight into the author's intentions. Passages can range in size from a few sentences to several pages, depending on the length and complexity of the work. They can be found in various forms of written material, including novels, poems, essays, and plays.
Another meaning of passage is related to physical movement. It describes the act of moving from one place to another, often through a particular route or pathway. This can involve travel by foot, vehicle, or any other means of transportation. In some contexts, a passage may refer to a narrow way or corridor that allows for passage or entry into a particular area or structure.
Furthermore, passage can refer to the process of time, as in the passing or progression of it. It can also denote the act of overcoming or surpassing a particular point or stage. Additionally, the term can be used metaphorically to represent the movement or transition from one state or condition to another.
1. The act of passing. 2. A discharge, as from the bowels or of urine. 3. The inoculation of a series of animals with the same strain of a pathogenic microorganism whereby the virulence of the latter is increased, or sometimes diminished. 4. A channel, duct, pore, or opening.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A journey; a voyage; time occupied in passing; a way or road; entrance or exit; a corridor in a house or building; an event; an incident; an indefinite part of a book, writing, or discourse; in music, a portion of an air or tune; bird of passage, a bird that passes at certain seasons from one climate or country to another; one who is apt by force of circumstances, or by natural disposition, to change his place of abode frequently.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "passage" comes from the Middle English word "passage" which originated from the Old French word "passage", meaning "a crossing, a passage" or "a narrow way". The Old French word derived from the Latin word "passus", meaning "a step" or "a pace". The Latin word comes from the verb "pati", meaning "to suffer" or "to endure". Therefore, the etymology of the word "passage" has roots in Latin and Old French.