Pronunciation: [pˈast dˈa͡ʊn] (IPA) 
The phrase "passed down" is spelled with two S's despite the second S sound being /t/. This is because the word "pass" ends in an S sound /s/ and the "ed" ending is pronounced as /d/ since it follows a voiced sound. Therefore, the spelling of "passed down" reflects the pronunciation of the two words separately. In IPA transcription, "passed" would be /pæst/ and "down" would be /daʊn/.
"Passed down" refers to the action of transmitting or handing over something, such as knowledge, customs, traditions, or possessions, from one generation to the next. It involves the transfer of information, experiences, or objects across time, typically within a family or community.
This term often signifies the preservation and continuation of cultural heritage and ancestral practices. It implies the intentional or unintentional transfer of valuable or significant elements from an older generation to younger individuals, ensuring their longevity and perpetuation.
The process of passing down frequently occurs through verbal accounts, storytelling, or oral histories shared within the family. It can involve the conveyance of skills, techniques, or artistic abilities from older to younger members, ensuring the preservation of craftsmanship or craftsmanship traditions.
Moreover, passing down can refer to the bequeathing of tangible objects, artifacts, heirlooms, or documents with historical or sentimental value, embodying familial or communal history.
The concept of "passed down" encompasses the idea of intergenerational continuity and the passing on of legacies that hold cultural, emotional, or practical significance. It emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage, promoting a sense of identity and belonging, and valuing the wisdom and knowledge accumulated by previous generations.
The phrase "passed down" is a combination of two terms: "passed" and "down".
The word "pass" originated from the Latin word "passus", meaning "movement from one place to another" or "to go". It first entered the English language around the 13th century with the same meaning. Over time, "pass" has had various uses and can also signify the transfer or circulation of something, such as passing an examination, passing a law, or passing information.
The term "down" has Old English roots and can be traced back to the Old English word "dūn", meaning "hill" or "the act of going down". In this context, "down" refers to something being transferred or transmitted to subsequent generations or to lower levels or younger people.
