The word passport is spelled as /ˈpæs.pɔːt/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "pas" is pronounced with a short "a" sound as in "cat", followed by the "s" sound. The second syllable "sport" has a long "o" sound as in "boat" and ends with the "t" sound. The combination of "s" and "p" sounds may be tricky for non-native English speakers to pronounce correctly. The word passport refers to a document used for international travel identification.
A passport is an official document issued by a government to its citizens, granting them permission to travel internationally and serving as proof of their identity and nationality. The word "passport" is derived from the French term "passeport," meaning "to pass through ports," indicating its primary purpose of facilitating travel across international borders.
Typically, a passport includes essential information about the holder, such as their full name, date and place of birth, photograph, and signature. It also contains details regarding the issuing country, the passport's unique number, and its expiration date. The document serves as a crucial tool for identification, ensuring that the person carrying it is legally authorized to cross borders and enter foreign countries.
Passports are essential for international travel, as they enable immigration authorities to verify the traveler's identity, citizenship, and legal status. Depending on the country of issuance, passport holders may be required to obtain visas from the countries they intend to visit, allowing them entry for a specific purpose and duration. In addition to their primary function as travel documents, passports also serve as proof of citizenship in various legal and administrative matters, such as applying for residency or employment in foreign countries.
In summary, a passport is an official government-issued document that allows individuals to travel internationally, proving their identity, nationality, and authorization to cross borders. It is a fundamental requirement for international travel and serves as a form of identification beyond its travel-related functions.
A written licence or warrant granting liberty to travel through a country, required generally on the Continental states of Europe.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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.
The word "passport" has its roots in the French term "passeport", which can be further traced back to the verb "passer" meaning "to pass" and the noun "porte" meaning "door" or "gate". In medieval times, a "passeport" was a document granting permission for someone to pass through a gate or a city, often granted by a local authority. Over time, the term "passport" was adopted in English and expanded in meaning to refer to an official document that grants travel authorization and identifies the holder's nationality.