Phrase guide

pass down

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To hand over, pass through or transfer to a lower level, next generation, etc.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • In poor families, solid clothes are passed down from elder children to kid siblings, who must wear them out or if they outgrow them pass them down to still younger relatives

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see pass, down.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: doorgeven — to hand over
  • French: transmettre — to hand over
  • Italian: passare — to hand over
  • Polish: przekazać — to hand over
  • Spanish: heredar — to hand over
  • Spanish: pasar — to hand over