- Gentle, respectful euphemisms for the verb to die.
- Pass away suggests a peaceful fading or departure.
- Pass on implies moving from one state of being or place to another (e.g., to an afterlife).
Explanation
Origin
- These phrases likely developed as softer alternatives to the starkness of die.
- Pass itself has long been used to mean 'die' (e.g., pass from life). Away and on add to the sense of departure or transition.
- Rooted in a desire to speak about death with sensitivity and respect for the deceased and bereaved.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Formal/Neutral:
- Die
- Decease
- Expire
Informal/Euphemistic:
- Be gone
- Be no longer with us
- Lose someone
- Pass
Slang/Humorous/Informal (Generally Inappropriate for Sensitive Contexts):
- Kick the bucket
- Bite the dust
- Buy the farm
- Push up daisies
- Cash in one's chips
- Croak / Snuff it / Cark it (Aus/NZ) / Pop one's clogs (UK)
Religious:
- Meet one's maker
- Go to God / Be with the Lord
- Go home
Situational Appropriateness
- Highly appropriate in nearly all situations when referring to death, from informal conversation to formal announcements, eulogies, and condolences.
- Considered the standard polite and sensitive way to speak about death.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally well-understood as meaning die. The phrasing is common enough that literal interpretations (passing something physically) are unlikely in context.
Examples
- I was saddened to hear that your grandfather passed away.
- She passed on peacefully in her sleep.
- Many years have passed since he passed away.
Dialogue
Person A: I have some sad news. My aunt passed away last night.
Person B: Oh, I'm so terribly sorry to hear that. My condolences to you and your family.
Person A: Thank you. It was quite sudden.
Person B: Please reach out if you need anything at all.
Social Media Examples
- Post: It is with great sadness that we announce our founder, John Smith, passed away yesterday after a brief illness. He will be deeply missed.
- Tweet: Heartbroken to share that my beloved grandmother passed on this morning. Thank you for everything, Nana. ❤️ #RIP
- Comment: I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Thinking of you during this difficult time after your father passed away.
Response Patterns
- Expressions of sympathy and condolence: I'm so sorry for your loss. / My deepest condolences. / That's very sad news.
- Offering support: Please let me know if there's anything I can do.
- Sharing memories: He/She was a wonderful person.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Asking gently about the circumstances (if appropriate and the relationship allows): Was it peaceful? / Had he/she been ill?
- Inquiring about funeral arrangements.
- Offering practical or emotional support to the bereaved.
- Sharing a positive memory of the person.
Conversation Starter
- No. Used when relaying sad news or referring to someone who has died.
Intonation
- Spoken softly, with a respectful, somber, or sympathetic tone.
- Stress usually falls gently on passed. Passed away. / Passed on.
Generation Differences
- Universally used and understood across all generations.
Regional Variations
- Standard and common in all major English-speaking regions.