Pass-Away-Pass-Out | Commonly Confused Words
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Master confusing words with ease

Pass away vs. Pass out

Pass away

/pɑːs əˈweɪ/
A polite way to say someone has died

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/
To become unconscious or fall asleep suddenly.

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 refers to the end of life, so think of it as a final action or departure.
  • Pass out indicates a temporary state, like fainting or losing consciousness temporarily.
  • Pass away has a more permanent tone compared to the temporary nature of pass out.
  • When someone passes out, they can regain consciousness, but someone who has passed away will not return.
  • Pass away is often used in delicate conversations about death, whereas pass out is more commonly used in casual contexts involving fainting.
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