passage
A narrow path, corridor, or route that allows movement between two places, or a specific section taken from a written work or musical composition. It can also refer to the process of moving through or past something, including the transition of time.
Passage refers to the means of moving through space, time, or a body of work.
Palabra en 30 segundos
- A physical path or hallway connecting two areas.
- A short section or excerpt from a book or music.
- The movement or transition from one state or time to another.
Summary
Passage refers to the means of moving through space, time, or a body of work.
- A physical path or hallway connecting two areas.
- A short section or excerpt from a book or music.
- The movement or transition from one state or time to another.
Use for Excerpts in Academic Writing
When quoting a small part of a book, use 'passage' to sound more professional than saying 'this part of the book.'
Don't Confuse with Passenger
A 'passenger' is a person traveling in a vehicle; a 'passage' is the route or the act of traveling itself.
Understanding Rites of Passage
In English-speaking cultures, events like graduations or weddings are often called 'rites of passage' because they mark a major life change.
Ejemplos
4 de 4The house has a secret passage behind the bookshelf.
The passage of the new law was welcomed by the public.
I didn't understand that particular passage in the poem.
She booked her passage to America on a large steamship.
Familia de palabras
Truco para recordar
Think of a 'pass'. A 'passage' is the place or way you 'pass' through to get somewhere else.
Overview
The word 'passage' is a versatile noun that bridges physical, literary, and temporal concepts. At its core, it signifies the act or means of moving from one point to another. Whether it is a physical hallway in a building, a paragraph in a book, or the steady flow of years, 'passage' implies a connection between a start and an end point.
Usage Patterns
In physical contexts, 'passage' often describes narrow or enclosed spaces, such as a 'secret passage' or a 'narrow passage between buildings.' In a literary sense, it is almost always followed by 'from,' as in 'a passage from the Bible' or 'a passage from the novel.' When discussing time or law, it is frequently paired with 'of,' such as 'the passage of time' or 'the passage of the new law,' indicating the completion of a process.
Common Contexts
You will encounter 'passage' frequently in architecture (referring to hallways or alleys), literature (referring to excerpts used for analysis), and travel (referring to a journey by ship, known as 'sea passage'). It is also a key term in sociology and anthropology through the phrase 'rite of passage,' which describes a ritual marking a life transition, such as adulthood.
Similar Words Comparison
While 'passage' is similar to 'corridor' or 'hallway,' it is broader; a passage can be an underground tunnel or a mountain gap, whereas a hallway is strictly internal to a building. Compared to 'excerpt' or 'extract,' 'passage' is the more common term in general reading comprehension and standardized testing. Unlike 'path,' which suggests a trail on the ground, 'passage' often implies being enclosed or having restricted boundaries on either side.
Notas de uso
In formal writing, 'passage' is the preferred term for discussing parts of a text. In everyday speech, it is often used for physical paths. It is a neutral word that does not carry heavy emotional weight unless used in the phrase 'rite of passage'.
Errores comunes
Learners often use 'passage' when they mean 'passenger' (the person traveling). Another mistake is using 'passage' for a very long book; remember that a passage is usually just a small section of a larger work.
Truco para recordar
Think of a 'pass'. A 'passage' is the place or way you 'pass' through to get somewhere else.
Origen de la palabra
Derived from the Old French word 'passage,' which comes from 'passer' (to pass), originating from the Latin 'passus' (step).
Contexto cultural
The concept of a 'rite of passage' is significant in Western sociology to describe milestones like turning 21, graduating, or getting married.
Ejemplos
The house has a secret passage behind the bookshelf.
everydayThe passage of the new law was welcomed by the public.
formalI didn't understand that particular passage in the poem.
academicShe booked her passage to America on a large steamship.
historicalFamilia de palabras
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
the passage of time
a passage of music
Se confunde a menudo con
A corridor is almost always inside a building, while a passage can be outside, underground, or metaphorical.
An aisle is a passage between rows of seats (like in a church or plane) or shelves (in a supermarket).
Patrones gramaticales
Use for Excerpts in Academic Writing
When quoting a small part of a book, use 'passage' to sound more professional than saying 'this part of the book.'
Don't Confuse with Passenger
A 'passenger' is a person traveling in a vehicle; a 'passage' is the route or the act of traveling itself.
Understanding Rites of Passage
In English-speaking cultures, events like graduations or weddings are often called 'rites of passage' because they mark a major life change.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the blank with the correct usage of 'passage'.
The explorers found a hidden ___ through the mountains.
In this context, 'passage' refers to a physical route or path through a geographic barrier.
Identify the meaning of 'passage' in the following sentence.
The teacher asked us to read a short passage from the play.
When referring to books, plays, or music, a passage is a specific section of the work.
Reorder the words to form a common English idiom.
time / heals / passage / the / of / wounds / all
This is a standard English proverb meaning that emotional pain fades as time goes by.
Puntuación: /3
Preguntas frecuentes
4 preguntasA hallway is specifically a corridor inside a building. A passage is a more general term that can refer to paths inside, outside, underground, or even metaphorical transitions.
Yes, especially in a maritime context. 'Safe passage' refers to the right or ability to travel through a territory without being harmed.
It refers to the process of time moving forward or the transition from the past into the present and future.
In English exams, a 'reading passage' is the specific text provided for you to read before answering related questions.
