Definitions
adjective
-
Lasting for a very short time; transitory or temporary.
"The passing clouds quickly gave way to brilliant sunshine." -
Moving past or beyond; going by.
"She nodded to a passing cyclist on her morning run." -
Just sufficient or barely acceptable; mediocre.
"His grasp of the subject was only passing."
noun
-
The act of moving past something or someone.
"The passing of time often brings unexpected changes." -
(Often passings) The act of dying or the death of someone.
"They gathered to mourn the passing of their beloved mentor." -
(Sports) The act of transferring the ball to another player.
"His quick passing skills made him invaluable to the team."
adverb
-
Briefly or casually; with only limited interest or attention.
"He gave the proposal only a passing glance before moving on."
Usage Over Time
Frequency in Published Text
1920s
1950s
1980s
2010s
2020s
Origin & Etymology
Middle English: from passen + -ing. The word pass derives from Old French passer, from Late Latin passare, frequentative of passus (step, pace), from Latin ped- (foot). The -ing suffix originated as a present participle marker in Old English (-ende), evolving into a noun-forming suffix in Middle English.