Phrasal verb
pass away
Meanings
to die (used as a polite or respectful expression)
to gradually disappear or stop existing
Definition
To pass away means to die.
To pass away is a polite, gentle way to say that someone has died. It is often used in formal situations, news, and conversations about loss. People also use it to show respect and avoid sounding too direct.
Examples
- My grandfather passed away peacefully last winter.
- She was shocked when her neighbor passed away so suddenly.
- They shared stories after their teacher passed away.
- I was out of town when my uncle passed away.
- As the years passed, the old traditions slowly passed away.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use "pass away" for objects (e.g., "my phone passed away"), but it normally refers to people or living things, not things that break.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.