Past
/pɑːst/ (British), /pæst/ (American)noun
The time, events, or circumstances that occurred before the present.
Did you know?Past entered English through the same historical route as pass, ultimately connected with the Latin idea of a step or passage from one place or state to another.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
passus
“A step or pace; a measured distance walked.”
Late Latin
Latin
passare
“To step across, go through, or pass over; the source of the Romance verb behind English pass.”
Old French
Old French
passé
“Passed, gone by; the past participle of passer, “to pass.””
14th Century
Middle English
past
“Gone by; having elapsed; earlier in time.”
Modern English
English
past
“Earlier time, a former condition, or something located beyond a particular point.”