past
Translation
past, former, previous
Examples
In past years, this was a quiet town.
In past years, this was a quiet town.
We cannot change the past.
We cannot change the past.
He walked right past me.
He walked right past me.
It is half past ten.
It is half past ten.
Grammar Patterns
past + ((noun)) referring to a time before now The past few days have been warm.
the past the time before now The past is behind us.
((verb)) + past + ((noun)) beyond a particular point She drove past the house.
Similar Words
Synonyms: former, previous; Antonyms: future, present
Etymology
Derived from the verb 'to pass'. The time that has 'passed' by is the 'past'.
Memory Tips
Think of time that has 'passed' you by to remember its meaning.