The spelling of the word "passings" can be confusing because it follows the rule of doubling the final consonant in words that end in a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern when adding a suffix starting with a vowel. The IPA phonetic transcription of "passings" is /ˈpæsɪŋz/. The "ss" sound in the middle of the word indicates that the final "s" in "passing" is doubled to maintain the pronunciation of the short "a" sound in the root word. So, the extra "s" in "passings" helps preserve the pronunciation of the root word.
Passings, as a noun in the English language, refers to the acts or instances of individuals dying or passing away. This term is commonly used to describe the death of someone, particularly when multiple deaths have occurred or when referring to a recent or significant loss of life.
Passings can include the death of both individuals we are familiar with, such as family members or friends, and individuals we may not have a personal connection to, such as notable public figures. It encompasses the idea of the transition from life to death, signifying that someone has moved on or is no longer with us.
This term is often used in a respectful and compassionate manner to acknowledge and discuss the reality and emotions attached to death. It can be employed in various contexts, ranging from personal conversations about loss to news reports and obituaries.
Passings can evoke a wide range of emotions, including sadness, grief, and mourning. It serves as a reminder of the fragility and impermanence of human life, prompting reflections on mortality and the preciousness of existence.
In summary, passings refer to the deaths or instances of people passing away. It encompasses the concept of transition from life to death and is commonly used to discuss the loss of life in both personal and public contexts.
The word "passings" is derived from the verb "pass", which has its roots in Old French and Latin. The Old French word "passer" means "to pass" or "to go through", and it comes from the Latin word "passare", with the same meaning. Over time, the noun "passing" was formed from "pass" to refer to the act or process of going by, through, or beyond something. This noun was further pluralized to "passings" to denote multiple instances or occurrences of things going by or through.