Pronunciation: [pˈaspɔːts] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "passports" is /ˈpæs.pɔːts/. This spelling includes two syllables, with the primary stress falling on the first syllable. The "p" in "pass" is pronounced with aspiration, creating a short burst of air, while the "ss" in "pass" is pronounced as a single sound. The "o" in "port" is pronounced with an open-mid back rounded vowel, and the "ts" at the end is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar affricate.
Passports are official documents issued by a government to its citizens that serves as a form of identification, allowing them to travel internationally. These documents are typically small booklets containing individual pages with personal information, such as the holder's full name, date of birth, nationality, and a photograph. They may also include additional details such as the holder's signature, height, and eye color.
The main purpose of passports is to establish the identity and nationality of the holder, granting them legal permission to enter and exit foreign countries. Passports are crucial in the facilitation of international travel as they provide a standardized method of identification recognized by governments worldwide. They play a vital role in ensuring the security and safety of travelers, as well as helping to regulate border controls.
The information contained within a passport is generally protected by security features like holograms, watermarks, and special inks to deter counterfeiting and forgery. Passports also include a unique identification number assigned to each individual, allowing for easy tracking and identification in various governmental databases.
Passports may also contain visa stamps or stickers granted by foreign consulates or embassies. These visas indicate that the passport holder has been granted permission to enter a particular country for a specified period and purpose, such as tourism, business, or studying.
In summary, passports are vital official documents that allow citizens to travel internationally, establishing their identity and nationality while complying with immigration regulations of foreign countries.
* 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 an etymology rooted in the Middle Ages. It originates from the Middle French word "passeport", which can be traced back to the verb "passer", meaning "to pass" or "to cross", and the noun "port", referring to a gateway or port of entry.
During medieval times, travelers needed official documents that would grant them permission to pass safely through various territories or ports. These documents, often in the form of letters or certificates from rulers or authorities, verified the identity, purpose, and authorization of the bearers to travel across borders. Over time, the usage of "passeport" was adopted by other languages, including English, to refer to such documents. Today, passports continue to serve as legal identification and travel documents issued by governments for international travel purposes.
