The spelling of the phrase "passed on" contains two separate syllables, each of which is pronounced with an individual consonant sound. The first syllable, "passed," is pronounced "pa-st" with the "a" sound as in "cat" and a double "s" to indicate the "s" sound. Meanwhile, the second syllable, "on," is pronounced "awn" with the "o" sound as in "go" and a silent "n" ending. Together, the word is pronounced "past awn." It is commonly used to indicate someone has died.
Passed on is a commonly-used phrasal verb that holds multiple meanings depending on its context. Primarily, it refers to the act of dying or departing from the world. When someone has "passed on," it signifies their transition from the realm of the living to the afterlife. This notion of passing on is often used to express the loss of a loved one, referring to their death in a euphemistic manner.
Moreover, passed on can also indicate the transfer or conveyance of something from one person to another. For instance, if a person decides to donate their possessions or inheritance to another individual, it can be said that they have "passed on" their belongings.
Additionally, passed on can refer to passing down knowledge, traditions, or customs from one generation to the next. It implies the act of imparting wisdom, teachings, or skills to someone younger or less experienced. This can be seen in various areas such as tribal cultures, where elders pass on their cultural heritage to younger members through storytelling, rituals, or ceremonies.
In conclusion, the phrase "passed on" primarily refers to the act of dying or departing from life, but it can also encompass the transfer of possessions or the transmission of knowledge or traditions.
The phrase "passed on" is composed of two elements: the verb "passed" and the preposition "on".
The word "pass" originates from the Old French verb "passer", which in turn comes from the Latin word "passare", meaning "to step, walk, or cross". Over time, "pass" acquired various meanings, including "to go beyond", "to transfer", or "to die". The sense of "pass" meaning "to die" emerged in the late 16th century.
The preposition "on" has Old English roots and is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "ana". It denotes movement or direction, often indicating progression or continuation.
Thus, when combined, the phrase "passed on" evolved to specifically refer to someone or something "transferring" or "moving along" in the sense of moving from life to death.