Definition

Noun 1. A step or series of steps in dancing, especially in classical ballet: The term refers to a specific, often named, movement or sequence of movements that form the basic vocabulary of ballet. 2. Precedence; the right to go first: An archaic or formal meaning denoting priority or superiority in rank or order.

Examples

• Noun (Ballet):
  • The dancer executed a complex pas with perfect grace.
  • The choreography includes a famous pas from Swan Lake.
• Noun (Precedence):
  • In formal processions, the ambassador was given the pas. (This usage is now rare.)

Advanced Usage

• "to give the pas to someone": To yield precedence or priority to someone.
  • The senior diplomat gave the pas to the visiting head of state.
• "to take the pas": To assume or be granted the right to go first.
  • As the guest of honor, she took the pas at the ceremony.

Variants and Related Words

• Pas de deux (n): A dance for two people, typically a ballet duet.
  • The pas de deux was the highlight of the performance.
• Pas seul (n): A solo dance, especially in ballet.
  • The ballerina performed a breathtaking pas seul.
• Ballet step (n): A more general term for a movement in ballet.

Synonyms

• Step (n): A movement of the foot in dancing.
• Precedence (n): The condition of being considered more important than someone or something else; priority.

Related Phrases

• Pas de chat: A classical ballet step meaning "step of the cat," a light, jumping step.
• Pas de bourrée: A classical ballet step involving a series of small, quick steps.

Idioms

(No common idioms are directly formed with the isolated word "pas" in modern English. Its idiomatic use is largely confined to the fixed phrases "give the pas" and "take the pas," as noted in Advanced Usage.)

Noun

1. (ballet) a step in dancing (especially in classical ballet)