English · Greetings & Phrases

pass away

/pæs əˈweɪ/

[/pæs əˈweɪ/]

die (polite)

Intermediateverb

Definition

A gentle, polite way to say that someone has died.

Example

Her grandfather passed away peacefully last year.

Her grandfather passed away peacefully last year.

Etymology

From 'pass' plus 'away', a euphemism suggesting a gentle departure.

How & Where It’s Used

Polite, sensitive alternative to 'die'.

Watch “die (polite)” pronunciation on YouTube
phrasal-verbidiom