In 15 Seconds
- To deliberately ignore a rule, order, or obstacle.
- Used when choosing to proceed despite a warning or prohibition.
- Sounds sophisticated, firm, and slightly rebellious in a professional way.
Meaning
This phrase actually means to ignore something or move past it, like a rule or an obstacle. It's about deciding to proceed despite an order or a problem standing in your way.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
La direction a décidé de passer outre aux objections du comité.
Management decided to ignore the committee's objections.
Talking about a stubborn friend
Je lui ai dit de ne pas y aller, mais il a passé outre.
I told him not to go, but he went anyway.
Discussing a legal matter
Le juge peut passer outre à cette formalité.
The judge can waive this formality.
Cultural Background
In French administration, 'passer outre' is a powerful tool for high-ranking officials to maintain momentum against the country's famous bureaucratic 'lourdeur' (heaviness). While used in Quebec, speakers there might more frequently use 'passer par-dessus' or 'ignorer' in casual speech, keeping 'passer outre' for very formal or legal written contexts. Belgian French uses 'passer outre' in a similar way to France, especially in its complex multi-layered government structure where one level might bypass another. In the Swiss consensus-based political system, 'passer outre' is used less frequently than in France, as bypassing an opinion is often seen as a breakdown of the 'concordance' principle.
The 'Avoir' Rule
Always use 'avoir' in the passé composé. 'J'ai passé outre' is correct. 'Je suis passé outre' is a common mistake even for natives.
Formal Contexts
Be careful using this with friends; it can sound like you're a lawyer. Stick to 'ignorer' or 'passer par-dessus' for casual chats.
In 15 Seconds
- To deliberately ignore a rule, order, or obstacle.
- Used when choosing to proceed despite a warning or prohibition.
- Sounds sophisticated, firm, and slightly rebellious in a professional way.
What It Means
Passer outre is all about bypass. It means you choose to ignore a restriction. You decide to move forward anyway. It is not about goosebumps. That would be avoir la chair de poule. This phrase is much more active. It is about your will versus a rule. Think of it as jumping over a fence. You see the 'No Entry' sign. You decide to go in anyway. That is passer outre.
How To Use It
You usually use it with the preposition à. You say passer outre à quelque chose. You can use it for laws or advice. It works well in professional settings. It also works when someone gives you a warning. You acknowledge the warning but ignore it. It is a strong, decisive action. You are the boss of your own path.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing a bold decision. Use it in a meeting about a risky project. Tell your friend you ignored their bad advice. It fits perfectly when someone tries to stop you. It sounds sophisticated and firm. Use it when you are being a bit of a rebel. It shows you know the rules but don't care. It is great for storytelling about brave choices.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for physical movement. Don't use it to mean 'passing a ball'. Avoid it if you actually mean you are cold. Remember, it is not about goosebumps! Do not use it for simple mistakes. It implies a conscious, deliberate choice to ignore. If you just forgot a rule, this isn't it. It is too strong for accidental errors.
Cultural Background
This phrase has a very legal feel in France. It comes from old French administrative language. The French love their rules and bureaucracy. Consequently, they love phrases about bypassing them. It suggests a certain 'force of character'. In French history, many heroes are those who passent outre. It reflects a spirit of intellectual independence. It is about the 'Droit' (Law) versus 'Fait' (Action).
Common Variations
You might hear passer outre les ordres. This means specifically ignoring commands. Sometimes people just say il a passé outre. This implies everyone knows what was ignored. You can also see outrepasser. This is a single verb with the same root. Outrepasser ses droits means to overstep your authority. Both are common in news and politics.
Usage Notes
While it sounds quite formal, it is very effective in professional arguments to show you are dismissing an irrelevant point. Be careful with the preposition 'à' in written exams, as it is technically required.
The 'Avoir' Rule
Always use 'avoir' in the passé composé. 'J'ai passé outre' is correct. 'Je suis passé outre' is a common mistake even for natives.
Formal Contexts
Be careful using this with friends; it can sound like you're a lawyer. Stick to 'ignorer' or 'passer par-dessus' for casual chats.
The 'à' Preposition
If you want to sound highly educated, use the 'à': 'passer outre à la difficulté.' It shows you know the classical grammar.
Political News
Watch the French news for the word 'outre.' You will hear 'passer outre' almost every time there is a debate about the 49.3 constitutional article.
Examples
6La direction a décidé de passer outre aux objections du comité.
Management decided to ignore the committee's objections.
Shows a firm executive decision.
Je lui ai dit de ne pas y aller, mais il a passé outre.
I told him not to go, but he went anyway.
The object is implied here.
Le juge peut passer outre à cette formalité.
The judge can waive this formality.
Very standard legal usage.
Mes parents ont dit non, mais je vais passer outre !
My parents said no, but I'm going to ignore that!
Shows a rebellious, playful tone.
Si tu passes outre mon conseil, ne viens pas pleurer !
If you ignore my advice, don't come crying!
A classic 'I told you so' setup.
Elle a dû passer outre sa peur pour réussir.
She had to move past her fear to succeed.
Uses the phrase for internal emotional obstacles.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'passer outre' and the necessary preposition if needed.
Le directeur a décidé de _______ _______ _______ objections du personnel.
In a formal context with an object, 'passer outre aux' (à + les) is the most grammatically complete form.
Which sentence uses 'passer outre' correctly in a figurative sense?
Choisissez la bonne phrase :
'Passer outre ses peurs' is a correct figurative use meaning to overcome or ignore one's fears.
Fill in the missing line in this professional dialogue.
A: 'Le comité a rejeté notre proposition.' B: 'Je sais, mais le PDG veut _______.'
The CEO wants to proceed despite the rejection, which is the definition of 'passer outre'.
Match the context to the correct use of 'passer outre'.
Context: A judge ignoring a lawyer's protest.
In legal French, an 'exception' is a type of protest or procedural objection.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Passer Outre vs Outrepasser
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLe directeur a décidé de _______ _______ _______ objections du personnel.
In a formal context with an object, 'passer outre aux' (à + les) is the most grammatically complete form.
Choisissez la bonne phrase :
'Passer outre ses peurs' is a correct figurative use meaning to overcome or ignore one's fears.
A: 'Le comité a rejeté notre proposition.' B: 'Je sais, mais le PDG veut _______.'
The CEO wants to proceed despite the rejection, which is the definition of 'passer outre'.
Context: A judge ignoring a lawyer's protest.
In legal French, an 'exception' is a type of protest or procedural objection.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsMostly, but 'passer outre' implies there is an obstacle you are actively deciding to move past, whereas 'ignorer' can be passive.
Yes, but it's rare. You 'passer outre' someone's advice or orders, rather than the person themselves.
'Passer outre' is to bypass a rule to proceed. 'Outrepasser' is to exceed a limit or authority (often negatively).
It is formal to neutral. It's not slang, but it's common in professional and journalistic French.
It can be used alone or with 'à'. Both 'passer outre la règle' and 'passer outre à la règle' are used.
In modern French, no. Use 'passer devant' or 'traverser' for physical objects.
Yes, but primarily in formal writing and legal contexts.
'Se plier à' (to bend to/comply with) or 'respecter' (to respect/follow).
Use 'avoir': 'Il a passé outre.'
Yes, it's in the top 500 most useful formal idioms in French.
No, 'de' is never used with this phrase. Use 'à' or no preposition.
It can sound firm or authoritative, but not necessarily rude if used in a professional context.
No direct noun form, but 'outre-passement' is an extremely rare and archaic term.
Yes! It's a great way to describe how you overcame a challenge: 'J'ai su passer outre les difficultés.'
Related Phrases
outrepasser
similarTo exceed or overstep.
faire fi de
synonymTo disregard with disdain.
passer par-dessus
similarTo pass over.
négliger
similarTo neglect or ignore.
faire l'impasse sur
similarTo skip or omit.
s'asseoir sur
slangTo sit on (ignore).
