B2noun1K

Passage

UK /["/ˈpæsɪdʒ/","/ˈpæsɪdʒweɪ/"]/US /["/ˈpæsɪdʒ/","/ˈpæsɪdʒweɪ/"]/

Definition

a long narrow area with walls on either side that connects one room or place with another

In simple words: A part of a written work or a narrow space to go through.

Examples

  • The passage from the book really captured the essence of the character.
  • We need to find a passage that leads us to the hidden treasure.
  • During the exam, I struggled with the long passage that was part of the reading comprehension section.
  • The passage through the mountains was treacherous but beautiful.
  • He wrote a passage in his journal about his travel experiences.

Usage notes

Use 'passage' in formal writing or when discussing literature. Avoid using it in casual conversations unless referring to a specific text.

Grammar pattern

passage + of/through + noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'passage' as a 'path' through a book or a space.

Collocations

  • long
  • short
  • narrow
  • clear
  • force
  • lead
  • along a/​the passage
  • down a/​the passage
  • through a/​the passage
  • the end of a passage
  • a maze of passages
  • nasal
  • air
  • back
  • block
  • obstruct
  • clear
  • lengthy
  • long
  • brief
  • play
  • in a/​the passage
  • passage from
  • smooth
  • stormy
  • speedy
  • begin
  • complete
  • block
  • during the passage
  • passage through
  • long
  • short
  • rough
  • have
  • book
  • secure
  • during a/​the passage
  • on somebody’s/​the passage
  • passage across
  • rapid
  • speedy
  • slow
  • deny somebody
  • refuse (somebody)
  • block
  • passage across
  • passage down
  • passage from… to…
  • the passage of time
  • a rite of passage
  • rapid
  • speedy
  • slow
  • deny somebody
  • refuse (somebody)
  • block
  • passage across
  • passage down
  • passage from… to…
  • the passage of time
  • a rite of passage
  • rapid
  • speedy
  • slow
  • deny somebody
  • refuse (somebody)
  • block
  • passage across
  • passage down
  • passage from… to…
  • the passage of time
  • a rite of passage

Synonyms

  • passageway
  • excerpt
  • section
  • paragraph
  • route

Antonyms

  • closure
  • stop

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'passport' — they sound similar but have different meanings.
  • Misusing 'passage' when 'pass' would be appropriate — understand the context.
  • Using 'passage' to mean 'trip' or 'journey' incorrectly.