pass out
B2informal (for faint); formal/informal context-dependent (for distribute/graduate).
Definition
Meaning
to lose consciousness temporarily; to faint.
to distribute or give out something to a group of people; to graduate from a military training institution (especially British usage).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Phrasal verb with separable particle ('pass the leaflets out' / 'pass out the leaflets'). The 'faint' meaning is more common in British English but understood elsewhere. The 'graduate' meaning is specific to military/police training contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK: Strongly associated with fainting. Also used for military/police graduation. US: Primarily means to distribute. 'Faint' is understood but 'pass out' for fainting is less common than 'faint'.
Connotations
UK: Casual, sometimes humorous for fainting. US: Neutral for distribution.
Frequency
In spoken UK English, 'pass out' (faint) is very frequent. In US English, 'hand out' or 'give out' are more common for distribution.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Sb] pass out[Sb] pass out from [sth][Sb] pass [sth] out to [sb]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pass out cold”
- “pass out like a light”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The manager will pass out the new schedules at the meeting.
Academic
Several participants felt dizzy and one nearly passed out during the experiment.
Everyday
It was so stuffy in the hall I thought I was going to pass out.
Technical
The pilot may pass out from excessive G-forces.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He felt dizzy and passed out for a few seconds.
- The sergeant will pass out the new recruits after the parade.
American English
- Can you pass out these flyers to the crowd?
- She almost passed out when she heard the news.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It's very hot. I need some water or I might pass out.
- The teacher passed out the worksheets before starting the lesson.
- After standing in the sun for hours, several marathon runners passed out from dehydration.
- Having passed out from Sandhurst, he was commissioned as an officer in the cavalry.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'pass' as handing something over. If you hand over your consciousness, you PASS OUT (faint). If you hand over papers, you PASS OUT leaflets.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONSCIOUSNESS IS A POSSESSION (you can lose it/pass it on). DISTRIBUTION IS A PHYSICAL TRANSFER ALONG A PATH.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'проходить мимо' (to go past). The Russian 'раздать' is closer for distribution, and 'упасть в обморок' for fainting.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'She passed out of the room.' (Use 'walked out'). Correct: 'She passed out in the room.' (fainted).
- Incorrect: 'He passed out the exam.' (ambiguous). Correct: 'He passed out during the exam.' (fainted) OR 'He passed out the exam papers.' (distributed).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'pass out' most likely to mean 'graduate'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal when meaning 'faint'. It is neutral when meaning 'distribute' or in the formal context of military graduation.
Yes, for the 'distribute' meaning. E.g., 'Pass out the books.' For 'faint', it is intransitive.
'Pass out' usually means to lose consciousness completely. 'Black out' can mean a temporary loss of consciousness, but also a temporary loss of memory while remaining conscious (e.g., from alcohol).
It is ambiguous without context. It can mean he fainted, or more informally/colloquially, it can mean he fell into a deep sleep (often from exhaustion or alcohol).