C1noun2K

Passing

UK /["/ˈpɑːsɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈpæsɪŋ/"]/

Definition

the process of time going by

In simple words: going by something or someone; not stopping

Examples

  • The colour of the wood darkens with the passing of time.
  • When the government is finally brought down, no one will mourn its passing.
  • the passing of the old year *(= on New Year’s Eve)*
  • Many will mourn her passing *(= her death, when you do not want to say this directly)*.
  • Few will mourn his passing.
  • Her death marks the passing of an era.
  • the passing of a resolution/law
  • He only mentioned it in passing and didn't give any details.

Usage notes

Use 'passing' when referring to something that happens quickly or a short amount of time. It can also refer to a casual reference to someone who is not staying long. Avoid in formal writing.

Grammar pattern

passing + object

Memory hint

Think of a car 'passing' another on a highway, quickly moving by.

Collocations

  • untimely
  • lament
  • mourn
  • mark
  • the passing of the years
  • the passing of time
  • untimely
  • lament
  • mourn
  • mark
  • the passing of the years
  • the passing of time

Synonyms

  • moving
  • gliding
  • slipping
  • floating
  • drifting

Antonyms

  • stopping
  • remaining
  • lingering

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'passing' as in 'passing an exam' instead of the action of moving by.
  • Used incorrectly in phrases like 'passing go' which are not standard.
  • Forget to use 'by' when mentioning something or someone while passing.