Passage

Definition

Passage is a noun that refers to a path, corridor, or route for movement from one place to another. It also denotes a portion of written or spoken text, or the act of moving through or across something.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpæs.ɪdʒ/, /ˈpæs.ɪdʒ/
• Respelling: PASS-ij

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpæs.ɪdʒ/, /ˈpæs.ɪdʒ/
• Respelling: PASS-ij

Etymology

The word "passage" originates from Old French "passage," meaning "crossing" or "way through," derived from the Latin "passus," which means "step" or "pace." It entered Middle English during the 14th century with similar meanings.

Derivatives

• Passages (plural noun)
• Passageway (noun)
• Passable (adjective)
• Passagework (noun, specific to music)
• Overpassage (noun, rare)

Synonyms

• Corridor
• Path
• Excerpt

Antonyms

• Blockage
• Obstacle
• Closure

Usage

The term "passage" is commonly used to describe physical pathways, sections of text, or transitions. Examples include "The narrow passage led to the garden" (pathway), "She highlighted an important passage in the book" (text), and "The passage of time is inevitable" (transition).

Related Terms

• Transition: The process of moving from one state to another.
• Exodus: A mass departure of people.
• Excerpt: A short extract from a piece of writing or music.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A pathway or corridor: Refers to a route or channel for movement.
  • Example: "The passage between the two rooms was dimly lit."
• A portion of written or spoken text: Describes an excerpt or section.
  • Example: "The professor read a passage from Shakespeare’s play."
• The act of passing through or across: Indicates movement or transition.
  • Example: "The passage of the bill through parliament was swift."
• A voyage or journey, especially by sea: Refers to long-distance travel.
  • Example: "The sailors completed their passage across the Atlantic."