the past

past

pɑ:st

paast

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Definition & Meaning of "past"in English

The past

NOUN

the time that has passed

past times

yesteryear

before

yesterday

Grammatical Information

Animacy status

Abstract

Composition

Simple

Uncountable

Examples

I learned a lot from the mistakes I made in the past.

1.1

(grammar) the past tense or form of a verb, indicating actions or states that occurred in a previous time

past

past tense

preterite

Examples

The word "walked" is the past of the verb "walk."

1.2

a period in a person's history that is viewed as shameful or problematic, often suggesting hidden or regrettable events or actions

Examples

Despite his friendly demeanor, whispers about his past made some people wary of him.

1.3

the historical background of a place, country, group, or other entities, encompassing the events and experiences that have shaped their development over time

Examples

The ancient ruins offer a glimpse into the past of the once-great civilization.

past

ADJECTIVE

done or existed before the present time

former

Grammatical Information

Composition

Simple

relational

ungradable

Examples

Her past experiences shaped her perspective on life.

occurred or ended recently, often within a specific, near timeframe

last

prior

Examples

I've met with the client several times over the past week to finalize the project details.

used to indicate how many years or time units have elapsed

ago

back

since

Examples

He graduated from college 12 years past and has since built a successful career.

no longer present or existing

all over

complete

concluded

ended

gone

Examples

The storm has passed, and the danger is now past.

(of a person) having previously held a specified position or title within an organization

former

late

old

sometime

Examples

The past president of the club was honored for her years of service.

(grammar) referring to tense that indicates an action that has already occurred or a state that previously existed

Examples

The past tense of "go" is "went," indicating the action has already happened.

past

ADVERB

from one side of something to the other

Grammatical Information

incomparable

Examples

The students walked past the library on their way to class.

used to indicate that a particular time has already gone by

Examples

Three hours went past before they finally arrived at their destination.

past

PREPOSITION

used to indicate a point in time that is beyond or later than a specified moment

after

Grammatical Information

Examples

It's already half past eleven; we missed the deadline.

used to indicate movement in a direction beyond or to the other side of someone or something

Examples

She walked past the house and continued down the street.

used to indicate a point or stage that has been surpassed or exceeded

beyond

Examples

He ate past his usual portion and felt uncomfortably full.

Nearby Words

past is a guidepost not a hitching post

past master

past participle

past perfect progressive

Definition & Meaning of "past"in English

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