Pass-The-Time-Spend-Time | Commonly Confused Words
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Master confusing words with ease

Pass the time vs. Spend time

Pass the time

/pæs ðə taɪm/
To engage in an activity to make a period of time seem shorter or less boring.

Examples:

Reading books helps me pass the time during commutes.Playing board games is a fun way to pass the time.She chats with friends online to pass the time.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Spend time

To use or allocate a period for a specific activity or with someone

Examples:

He loves to spend time exploring new hiking trails.Let's spend time discussing the project details next week.You should spend time reflecting on your future goals.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Pass the time often implies engaging in activities to make the time go by faster.
  • Spend time suggests a more intentional use of time, often with a purpose or goal.
  • Think of pass the time like a background activity, while spend time is more like a focused activity.
  • Pass the time can be used for casual or less significant activities.
  • Use spend time when you are choosing to do something with your time.
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