Skip to main content

pass by — to go past someone or something without stopping

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to go past someone or something without stopping

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpæs baɪ/

Example Sentences

  • My dog always barks when a cat passes by our house.
  • I tried to pass by my ex quietly, but I tripped over a trash can instead.
  • The years passed by so fast that I still feel like a college student.

pass by

VERB

[/ˈpæs baɪ/]

to go past someone or something without stopping

I watched my old school bus pass by without stopping for me.
💡 Concept

I watched my old school bus pass by without stopping for me.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

Start FreeDemo

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈpæs baɪ/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈpɑːs baɪ/

🌳Etymology

Rootpass

Origin

The verb 'pass' derives from Latin 'passus' (step, footstep), entering English via Old French 'passer' (to go through). The preposition 'by' originates from Old English, meaning 'beside' or 'past'. Together, 'pass by' combines these elements to convey the image of moving one's steps beside or past something.

Breakdown

pass (Latin passus, step/footstep → Old French passer, to go through) + by (Old English preposition meaning beside, near, or past).

🎵Rhyme

goodbyestandbysupply
goodbye
standby
supply

🔗Collocations

pass by quickly
pass by the window
time passes by
pass by unnoticed
just pass by
pass by the store
years pass by

📝Examples

“My dog always barks when a cat passes by our house.”

😄 Fun example

“I tried to pass by my ex quietly, but I tripped over a trash can instead.”

“The years passed by so fast that I still feel like a college student.”

😄 Fun example

“He passed by the bakery every day just to smell the bread, not to buy it.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.

Start for Free60s Demo