Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To transmit or convey something to someone else: To give, send, or transfer an object, piece of information, or responsibility to another person.
   • To die (euphemism): A gentle or indirect way of saying someone has died.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To proceed or move forward: To continue on a journey or to the next stage.

Usage

• As a transitive verb, "pass on" requires a direct object (the thing being transferred) and often an indirect object (the recipient). The structure is typically "pass [something] on to [someone]."
• As an intransitive verb, it can be used without a direct object to indicate continuation.
• The euphemistic meaning for death is used without an object.

Examples

• Transitive Verb (Transferring an object/information):
• Transitive Verb (Euphemism for death):
• Intransitive Verb (Proceed):

Advanced Usage

• "to pass on an opportunity": To decline or choose not to take advantage of a chance.
• "to pass on a legacy": To bequeath traditions, values, or property to the next generation.

Variants and Related Words

• Passalong (n/adj): Something that is passed on, often used in business contexts (e.g., a passalong cost).
• Hand down: A synonym often used for traditions, laws, or physical objects through generations.
• Bequeath: A more formal synonym, specifically for leaving property or a legacy in a will.

Synonyms

• Transmit: To send or convey from one person or place to another.
• Convey: To communicate or make known; to transfer.
• Transfer: To move something from one place, person, or position to another.
• Relay: To receive and pass on (information or a message).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Pass along: Often interchangeable with "pass on" in the context of transmitting information or objects.
• Pass over: To ignore, skip, or fail to promote someone; also to die (euphemism).
• Pass down: To give or teach something to a younger generation.

Related Idioms

• Pass on the baton: To hand over a responsibility or duty to someone else. (From relay racing)
• Passed on to a better place: A common euphemistic idiom meaning someone has died.

Verb

1. transmit information
   • Please communicate this message to all employees
   • pass along the good news
2. cause be distributed
   • This letter is being circulated among the faculty
3. refer to another person for decision or judgment
   • She likes to relegate difficult questions to her colleagues
4. give to or transfer possession of
   • She passed the family jewels on to her daughter-in-law
5. move forward, also in the metaphorical sense
   • Time marches on
6. transmit (knowledge or skills)
   • give a secret to the Russians
   • leave your name and address here
   • impart a new skill to the students
7. place into the hands or custody of
   • hand me the spoon, please
   • Turn the files over to me, please
   • He turned over the prisoner to his lawyers