passing

pass|ing¹ [ˈpa:sıŋ US ˈpæ-] n [U]

1.) the passing of time/the years

the process of time going by

▪ Most of the old traditions have died out with the passing of time.

▪ The passing of the years had done nothing to improve his temper.

2.) mention/note sth in passing

if you say something in passing, you mention it while you are mainly talking about something else

▪ He did mention his brother's wife, but only in passing.

3.) the passing of something is the fact that it has ended

▪ The old regime was defeated, and few people mourned its passing.

4.) the passing of a person is their death - use this when you want to avoid using the word 'death'

▪ Nothing could fill the gap in her life left by his passing.

passing ²

passing² adj [only before noun]

1.) going past a place or person

▪ Michael watched the passing cars.

▪ A passing motorist stopped to help.

2.) passing days/weeks/years etc

literary the days, weeks, years etc that pass

▪ Her grief became less intense with the passing years.

▪ With each passing day she grew stronger.

3.) a passing thought or feeling is short and not very serious

▪ He had only ever shown a passing interest in sport.

4.) a passing remark is one that you make while you are talking about something else

▪ He made only a passing reference to her achievements.