Passing — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

lasting only for a short time

"his parents were willing to buy him a piano if he demonstrated that his interest in music was more than a passing fancy"

the permanent stopping of all the vital bodily activities

"the precise moment of his passing was recorded by the machines at his bedside"

to a great degree

"a passing strange turn of events"

to shift possession of (something) from one person to another

"could you please pass me the phone?"

to come to an end

"eventually, the storm passed"

to put (something) into the possession or safekeeping of another

"pass your forms to the department head once they're filled out"

to put into effect through legislative or authoritative action

"Congress cannot pass any law restricting free speech"

to take place

"and the destruction of the town came to pass, just as the seer had predicted"

to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it

"a presidential candidate who doesn't yet know how it feels to pass the scrutiny of the national press"

to express (a thought or emotion) in words

"he'll occasionally pass some insightful comment, but in general he doesn't have much to contribute"

to show unwillingness to accept, do, engage in, or agree to

"we appreciate the invitation to the party, but we'll have to pass"

"I'll pass on the coffee"

to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval

"the finished product isn't perfect, but it will pass"