Definition

Adverb 1. Mentioned briefly or casually while discussing another topic: Used to indicate that a comment or piece of information is not the main focus of the conversation but is mentioned incidentally.

Usage

The phrase "in passing" is used to describe a remark or observation that is made briefly and without emphasis, often as an aside during a discussion of something else. It signals that the point is secondary or tangential.

Examples

• The professor mentioned the author's early life in passing before focusing the entire lecture on her major works.
• "Oh, in passing, she said the meeting might be moved to Thursday," he added, returning to the main agenda.
• He noted in passing that the software was still in beta, but his main point was about its potential.

Advanced Usage

• To say/mention/note something in passing: This is the standard collocation. The action verb (say, mention, note, observe, remark) is followed by the object, then "in passing."
  • She mentioned in passing that she had visited Paris years ago.

Variants and Related Words

• Incidentally (adverb): In a way that is not planned or directly connected with what is being discussed. Often used synonymously with "in passing" to introduce a side comment.
  • "Incidentally, have you seen my keys?"
• By the way: A common conversational phrase used to introduce a new but often minor topic or reminder. It is more informal than "in passing."
• Parenthetically (adverb): Expressed as or within a parenthesis; as an aside. This is a more formal synonym.

Synonyms

• Casually
• En passant (a borrowing from French with the same meaning)
• As an aside
• Tangentially

Related Idioms & Phrases

• In the same breath: Used to describe saying two things that are surprisingly different or contradictory one right after the other. While related as a phrase about concurrent remarks, it emphasizes contrast more than incidental mention.
  • He criticized the plan and, in the same breath, proposed something very similar.
• Throw out: To say something casually or without careful thought. Can be similar to "mention in passing."
  • He threw out a few ideas for the project name.

Adverb

1. incidentally; in the course of doing something else
   • he made this remark in passing