Pronunciation: [pˈas bˈa͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The phrase "pass by", which means to go past something or someone, is spelled with the letters P-A-S-S space B-Y. In IPA phonetic transcription, this phrase is written as /pæs ˈbaɪ/. The "p" sound is pronounced with a puff of air, followed by the short "a" sound. The "s" sound is pronounced with a hissing sound, and the "b" sound is pronounced with a quick burst of air. Finally, the "y" sound is pronounced as a schwa sound.
Pass by is a phrasal verb that encompasses several meanings, encompassing the act of moving past, overlooking, or ignoring something or someone. Primarily, it refers to physically moving beyond a particular point or location without stopping or detouring. This can apply to various contexts, such as passing by a person on the street without engaging with them, passing by a store without entering it, or passing by a town while traveling without making a stop.
Additionally, pass by can indicate the act of ignoring or disregarding something, particularly in a metaphorical sense. This may involve overlooking the significance of an event or moment, or neglecting to address a particular matter or issue. For example, one might pass by an opportunity without recognizing its potential value, or pass by an important detail in the course of a discussion or examination. In these cases, pass by indicates a failure to fully acknowledge or appreciate the importance or relevance of something.
Within a legal context, pass by can have a specific connotation related to juries. It refers to when a judge decides not to challenge or exclude a potential juror, allowing them to be selected for the jury panel. This decision is typically made based on the judge's belief that the juror is impartial and suitable for the case at hand.
Overall, pass by encompasses the physical act of moving past something, as well as the figurative act of disregarding or neglecting something or someone.
The phrase "pass by" is a combination of the verb "pass" and the preposition "by".
The word "pass" derives from the Old French verb "passer", which means "to pass, go by, move past". This Old French term can be traced back to the Latin word "passus", which means "a step, pace, walk, going forward".
The preposition "by" comes from the Old English word "bi", which means "near, alongside, with, during". This word has cognates in other Germanic languages like Old High German "bi" and Gothic "bi" with similar meanings.
Together, "pass by" refers to the act of moving past or going alongside something or someone.
