PASSING Meaning and
Definition
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Passing can be used as a noun or an adjective and has different meanings depending on the context in which it is being used.
As a noun, passing refers to the act of moving by something or someone, typically in a quick or fleeting manner. For example, a passing car indicates a vehicle that is moving swiftly along a road. In this sense, passing emphasizes the transient nature of the movement.
Passing can also denote the process of advancing from one state or condition to another. This could refer to the act of surpassing a specific point or stage, such as successfully passing an examination or meeting a requirement. Additionally, passing can be interpreted as the transition from life to death. It signifies the expiration or departure of an individual.
As an adjective, passing typically describes something that is temporary, transient, or not long-lasting. It suggests an occurrence or state that is brief or fleeting, rather than being definitive or permanent. For instance, a passing comment is one made without much thought, significance, or lasting impact. Similarly, a passing phase describes a situation or sentiment that is temporary and likely to change over time.
Overall, passing can encompass the act of movement or transition, as well as the notion of temporary or transitory nature when used as an adjective. The specific meaning of passing is highly dependent on the context in which it is employed.
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• Supremely excellent; eminent; departing.
• Surpassingly; exceedingly.
• The act of going past; the act of carrying through all the regular forms, as a bill through Parliament.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for PASSING *
* 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.
Other Common Misspellings for PASSING
Etymology of PASSING
The word "passing" has multiple etymological origins and can be traced back to different languages:
1. From Old English: The word "passing" is derived from the Old English verb "passan", meaning "to go by" or "to go beyond". It evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "passa", which also meant "to go by" or "to cross over".
2. From French: Another possible origin is the French word "passant", which comes from the verb "passer", meaning "to pass". It entered the English language during the Middle English period, borrowed from the Anglo-Norman language.
In general, the word "passing" has meanings related to movement, crossing, going by, or surpassing. Over time, its usage expanded to include other senses and contexts.
Idioms with the word PASSING
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with each passing day
The idiom "with each passing day" means that something is happening or changing as time goes by. It indicates a gradual progression or increase in a particular situation or experience.
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in passing
The idiom "in passing" means mentioning or discussing something briefly, usually without giving it much attention or significance. It refers to casually or fleetingly addressing a topic, often without going into further detail or exploring it further.
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a passing resemblance
The idiom "a passing resemblance" refers to a similarity or likeness between two things or people that is only minimal or temporary. It suggests that while there may be some resemblance or similarity, it is not strong or significant enough to be considered a true or lasting likeness.
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mention sm or sth in passing
The idiom "mention something in passing" means to briefly or casually talk about something without giving it much attention or detail. It implies that the topic was mentioned briefly and without much importance or emphasis.
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mention (sb/sth) in passing
To mention someone or something in passing means to briefly mention or bring up a particular person or thing during a conversation or discussion, often without deep detail or analysis. It implies that the mention was not the main focus or purpose of the conversation, but rather a casual or incidental remark.
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a passing acquaintance with something
"A passing acquaintance with something" refers to having a limited or superficial knowledge or understanding of a particular subject or topic. It implies that one is not deeply familiar with or experienced in that area and only possesses a basic or cursory level of familiarity.
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have a passing/slight/nodding acquaintance with sth
The idiom "have a passing/slight/nodding acquaintance with something" means to be familiar with or have some basic knowledge about something, but not to have a deep or extensive understanding or experience with it. It suggests a superficial or cursory familiarity rather than a detailed knowledge or in-depth relationship with the subject.
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just passing through
The idiom "just passing through" refers to a situation where someone is temporarily present or only briefly stopping at a certain place or in a certain situation without any intention of staying there permanently or getting involved deeply in it. It signifies a fleeting or transitory nature of the person's presence or involvement.
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a passing acquaintance with someone
The idiom "a passing acquaintance with someone" means to have only a superficial or brief knowledge of someone. It implies a level of familiarity that is not deep or meaningful, indicating that the individuals involved are not close friends or intimate acquaintances.
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a passing fancy
The idiom "a passing fancy" refers to a temporary or fleeting interest or attraction for someone or something. It implies that the interest or infatuation will not last for a long period but is rather short-lived.
Similar spelling words for PASSING
Conjugate verb Passing
CONDITIONAL
I
would pass
we
would pass
you
would pass
he/she/it
would pass
they
would pass
FUTURE
I
will pass
we
will pass
you
will pass
he/she/it
will pass
they
will pass
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have passed
we
will have passed
you
will have passed
he/she/it
will have passed
they
will have passed
PAST
I
passed
we
passed
you
passed
he/she/it
passed
they
passed
PAST PERFECT
I
had passed
we
had passed
you
had passed
he/she/it
had passed
they
had passed
PRESENT
I
pass
we
pass
you
pass
he/she/it
passes
they
pass
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have passed
we
have passed
you
have passed
he/she/it
has passed
they
have passed
I
am passing
we
are passing
you
are passing
he/she/it
is passing
they
are passing
I
was passing
we
were passing
you
were passing
he/she/it
was passing
they
were passing
I
will be passing
we
will be passing
you
will be passing
he/she/it
will be passing
they
will be passing
I
have been passing
we
have been passing
you
have been passing
he/she/it
has been passing
they
have been passing
I
had been passing
we
had been passing
you
had been passing
he/she/it
had been passing
they
had been passing
I
will have been passing
we
will have been passing
you
will have been passing
he/she/it
will have been passing
they
will have been passing
I
would have passed
we
would have passed
you
would have passed
he/she/it
would have passed
they
would have passed
I
would be passing
we
would be passing
you
would be passing
he/she/it
would be passing
they
would be passing
I
would have been passing
we
would have been passing
you
would have been passing
he/she/it
would have been passing
they
would have been passing
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