The phrase "passing through" is commonly used in English, but the spelling can be a bit tricky. The "ss" in "passing" is pronounced as the voiceless alveolar sibilant /s/, but the "s" in "through" is pronounced as the voiced alveolar fricative /ð/. This difference in pronunciation is reflected in the spelling of the two words. So remember, in "passing through," the "s" is pronounced differently in each word, even though they look similar!
The phrase "passing through" refers to the act of moving or traveling from one place to another, typically with a temporary or transient purpose. It implies a state of transience or fleetingness as one navigates a particular location, often en route to a final destination.
In a literal sense, "passing through" denotes physically traversing or crossing a specific area or space. It suggests a temporary presence or momentary existence in that particular location, without any intention of staying for an extended period. This can apply to people, vehicles, or even abstract entities such as time or events.
Moreover, "passing through" can also have metaphorical or figurative connotations. It can describe a brief period of time or experience, without leaving a lasting impact or enduring influence. For example, when one mentions "passing through a phase," it describes a temporary period of change, development, or behavior that is ultimately temporary or transitory.
Overall, "passing through" encompasses the notion of movement, temporariness, and transience. It implies a transient existence, either in terms of physical location or in the context of passing experiences or phases.
The etymology of the word "passing through" can be traced back to the individual roots of the words "passing" and "through".
The word "passing" derives from the Old French word "passer", meaning "to go by, to pass, or to pass away". It further originates from the Latin word "passus", which carries the same meanings. "Passus" is the past participle of "patī", meaning "to suffer, to endure, or to permit".
The word "through" has roots in Old English as "þurh", which also meant "through". It is believed to have Indo-European origins and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages.
When these two words are combined to form "passing through", it conveys the concept of moving or going from one place to another, with the implication of transitory or temporary travel.