Pass-Away-Pass-Out | Commonly Confused Words
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Pass away vs. Pass out

Pass away

/pɑːs əˈweɪ/
The phrasal verb "pass away" is primarily used in informal speech as a euphemistic expression for dying. It originates from the discomfort associated with the direct use of the term "die," offering a softer, more gentle way to convey the end of someone's life. Commonly used in personal conversations, obituaries, and announcements of death, it allows speakers to address sensitive situations with compassion. "Pass away" may also appear in written forms that cater to a public audience, such as condolence messages or news reports, but it is less likely to be found in formal, technical, or legal contexts, where direct terminology might be preferred. Its usage underscores cultural tendencies to provide solace and respect surrounding the topic of death.

Examples:

The old man quietly passed away at dawn.She passed away peacefully surrounded by family.Our beloved pet passed away unexpectedly last night.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Pass out

/ˈpæs ˈaʊt/
The phrasal verb "pass out" is predominantly used in informal contexts, although it can occasionally appear in formal speech, particularly in medical or descriptive contexts. It commonly means to lose consciousness, often due to a temporary condition like fainting, shock, or exhaustion. Examples include "He passed out from heat exhaustion," or "She passed out after seeing her exam results." "Pass out" can also refer to the distribution of items, such as "The instructor passed out the worksheets to the students." This secondary usage tends to be more informal. In general conversation, "pass out" is often used when describing sudden or unexpected loss of consciousness, conveying a sense of immediacy and surprise. It's also worth noting that the context usually makes it clear whether the phrase implies fainting or distributing items, depending on the sentence structure and additional information provided.

Examples:

She will pass out if she doesn't get some fresh air.Too much sun can make you pass out from exhaustion.I'll pass out the pamphlets before the meeting starts.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Pass away is used as a euphemism for dying, while pass out means losing consciousness.
  • You can remember pass away by thinking of someone moving away permanently, like death.
  • Pass out implies a temporary state, like losing consciousness for a brief period.
  • Both phrases involve transitioning states, but pass away is permanent while pass out is temporary.
  • Imagine passing out as taking a quick nap and passing away as going to sleep forever.
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