Passage: Definition and Synonyms
passage – Definition and Part of Speech
The word “passage” is primarily used as a noun with several meanings depending on context:
- A route or way through an area.
- A section of written text, such as in books, articles, or music scores.
- An act or instance of moving or traveling somewhere.
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corridor | A long passage within a building | “She walked down the corridor to her office.” | Formal, Everyday |
| Section | Part of a book or written work | “Refer to this section for more details.” | Academic, Formal |
| Passageway | A path or road through an area | “The passageway was blocked by fallen trees.” | Informal/Technical |
| Excerpt | A short extract from a longer text | “Here’s an excerpt of the novel we read.” | Casual/Academic |
Usage Notes
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Corridor: Best used in contexts involving buildings, such as schools or offices. It carries a formal tone suitable for professional communication.
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Section: This synonym is ideal when discussing specific parts of written works and is commonly used in academic settings to refer to chapters or divisions within a book or article.
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Passageway: Suitable for both literal paths, like hiking trails, and figurative ones, such as career opportunities. It’s more technical than general and fits well in travel writing or adventure narratives.
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Excerpt: Often used when referring to extracts from larger works of literature, speeches, or documents. This term is versatile across both casual conversations about books and formal presentations or lectures.
Common Pitfalls
A common mistake with “passage” involves confusing it with its synonyms based on context:
- Using “corridor” for non-building-related contexts could lead to confusion.
- Referring to a long walk as a “section” might imply an incorrect division of text or area, rather than movement.
Additionally, distinguishing between “passage” and “excerpt” is crucial. While both refer to parts of texts, “passage” may encompass larger sections, whereas “excerpt” suggests shorter extracts.
Final Recap
In summary, the word “passage” can be effectively replaced with synonyms such as “corridor,” “section,” “passageway,” and “excerpt.” Each has its specific nuance: “corridor” for building routes, “section” for text divisions, “passageway” for paths through areas, and “excerpt” for brief text extracts. Understanding these differences enhances precise communication in various contexts.
To solidify understanding, readers are encouraged to practice by writing sentences using each synonym in its appropriate context or experimenting with them during conversation to see which fits best naturally. This approach helps expand vocabulary while ensuring the correct application of words based on their nuances and intended usage settings.