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pass as

B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To look enough like something else that people think you really are that thing.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

To be accepted or mistaken for a particular type of person or thing, often because of appearance.

"With his fluent accent, he could easily pass as a native speaker."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To deliberately present oneself as a different kind of person in order to be accepted in a particular context.

"She dressed smartly so she could pass as a business executive at the networking event."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Often used when discussing identity, disguise, or the ability of an imitation to be mistaken for the real thing. Very similar to 'pass for'. Can carry a neutral or slightly deceptive connotation depending on context.

Commonly used with

expert local adult native speaker original

Forms

Base
pass as
I/you/we/they
3rd person
passes as
he/she/it
Past simple
passed as
yesterday
Past participle
passed as
have + pp
-ing form
passing as
continuous

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