1 B1 neutral
To give or leave something to a younger generation, especially as a tradition or inheritance.
"This watch was passed down from my great-grandfather to my grandfather, then to my father."
separable
pass down
B1 neutral separable transitive
To transfer knowledge, traditions, possessions, or characteristics from an older generation to a younger one.
In plain English
To give something to the people who come after you, like your children or grandchildren.
What does "pass down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To transmit knowledge, customs, or stories from one generation to the next.
"Oral traditions are stories passed down through generations before being written down."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move something downward from one level to another.
Actually means
To give something to the people who come after you, like your children or grandchildren.
Usage tip
Used for both tangible items (jewellery, property) and intangible things (stories, recipes, customs, genetic traits). The motion 'down' reflects the hierarchical image of older generations above younger ones. Common in family and cultural contexts.
Words that pair with "pass down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
recipe tradition story knowledge heirloom wisdom
How to conjugate "pass down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pass down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
passes down
he/she/it
Past simple
passed down
yesterday
Past participle
passed down
have + pp
-ing form
passing down
continuous
Hear "pass down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pass down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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