pass
PASS
/pɑːs/
A document or card giving permission to travel on public transport for a specified period.
Implies unlimited or multi-use access over a duration (e.g., day pass, monthly pass).
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'passus' (step or pace). In medieval times, a written 'pass' granted permission to walk through guarded town gates or territory.
Word relationships
- permit: 'Permit' often refers to parking or official permissions, while 'pass' is standard for passenger transport.
Commonly confused with
- fare: A fare is the price paid; a pass is the physical/digital token giving transit access.
Word family
- passenger (noun): A traveler on a public or private vehicle.
Collocations
- monthly pass
- day pass
- transit pass
- show your pass
Example sentences
- "Tourists often save money by purchasing a three-day unlimited transit pass." Buying transit tickets
- "She tapped her monthly pass against the reader to open the station barrier." Showing credentials
Memory hook
A PASS lets you PASS through the turnstile. Your ticket to step through.
When not to use
Do not use 'pass' when referring to a single-use paper ticket if clarity is required.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'boarding pass' was adopted by aviation from maritime passenger ships.
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