Passage vs. Passageway — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 1, 2024
A passage refers to the act of moving from one place to another or a section of text, while a passageway is a physical path or corridor designed for transit.
Difference Between Passage and Passageway
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A passage can denote the act of moving from one location to another, capturing the essence of transition or travel. This term is also used to describe a portion of text within a larger document, highlighting its multifaceted nature. In contrast, a passageway is specifically a physical space, often narrow, that facilitates movement from one area to another, emphasizing its architectural or spatial function.
Passages serve not only as connectors in literature and geography but also embody the process of change or development, whether in narrative arcs or journeys. Passageways, on the other hand, are tangible routes within structures, such as buildings or ships, designed to connect spaces, underscoring their practical role in navigation and design.
In literature, a passage might be analyzed for its thematic or symbolic significance, offering insight into a work's deeper meanings. A passageway, however, might be described in a narrative to set a scene or develop atmosphere, lending itself more to physical description and spatial dynamics.
The versatility of "passage" allows it to encompass transitions in time, such as the passage of seasons, highlighting its broader applicability beyond physical or textual references. Passageways, with their emphasis on physical structure, do not share this temporal aspect, focusing instead on the immediate experience of moving through space.
Understanding the distinction between passage and passageway enriches our interpretation of texts and spaces, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the nuances in language and architecture. While both facilitate connections, their applications diverge significantly, reflecting the layered nature of English vocabulary.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The act of moving from one place to another; a section of text.
A physical path or corridor designed for transit.
Contexts
Literature, travel, temporal transitions.
Architecture, spatial design.
Symbolism
Can symbolize change, development, or transition.
Primarily related to physical movement and connection.
Variability
Broader applicability, including abstract concepts.
Focused on physical structures and spaces.
Examples in Use
Describing a journey; a specific excerpt from a book.
Corridors in buildings, tunnels, pathways in gardens.
Compare with Definitions
Passage
He act of moving or being moved from one place to another.
The passage from youth to adulthood can be challenging.
Passageway
A tube or tunnel in a structure for access or travel.
We followed the underground passageway to reach the other side of the campus.
Passage
A section of written work or music.
This passage from the novel perfectly captures the character's dilemma.
Passageway
A narrow path or corridor, indoors or outdoors, allowing passage from one area to another.
The passageway was dimly lit, adding to the building's mystery.
Passage
A journey by sea or air.
The passage across the Atlantic took two weeks.
Passageway
An architectural feature connecting different parts of a building or space.
The architect designed a series of intricate passageways to navigate the large house.
Passage
Permission to pass through a place.
The explorer needed passage through the territory.
Passageway
A means of access or transportation.
The mountain passageway was the only route through the range.
Passage
The process of time moving forward.
The passage of time has healed many old wounds.
Passageway
A route or channel for physical movement.
The secret passageway led to a hidden garden.
Passage
The action or process of moving through or past somewhere on the way from one place to another
There were moorings for boats wanting passage through the lock
Passageway
A way allowing passage, especially a corridor.
Passage
A narrow way allowing access between buildings or to different rooms within a building; a passageway
The larger bedroom was at the end of the passage
Passageway
A covered walkway, between rooms or buildings.
Passage
The process of transition from one state to another
An allegory on the theme of the passage from ignorance to knowledge
Passageway
Any way for passing in, out or through something.
Passage
A short extract from a book or other printed material
He picked up the newspaper and read the passage again
Passageway
A way for passage; a hall. See Passage, 5.
Passage
The propagation of microorganisms or cells in a series of host organisms or culture media, so as to maintain them or modify their virulence
Cultured cells can replicate on serial passage for predictable periods of time
Passageway
A passage between rooms or between buildings
Passage
A movement performed in advanced dressage and classical riding, in which the horse executes a slow elevated trot, giving the impression of dancing.
Passageway
A path or channel or duct through or along which something may pass;
The nasal passages
Passage
Subject (a strain of microorganisms or cells) to a passage
Each recombinant virus was passaged nine times successively
Passage
Movement from one place to another
The passage of water through a sieve.
Passage
The process of elapsing
The passage of time.
Passage
The process of changing from one condition or stage to another; transition
The passage from childhood to adulthood.
Passage
Enactment into law of a legislative bill.
Passage
A journey, especially one by air or water
We had a rough passage on the stormy sea.
Passage
The right to travel as a passenger, especially on a ship
Book passage.
Pay for one's passage.
Passage
The right, permission, or power to come and go freely
Only medical supply trucks were granted safe passage through enemy territory.
Passage
A path, channel, or duct through, over, or along which something may pass
The nasal passages.
Passage
A corridor.
Passage
An occurrence or event
"Another encouraging passage took place ... when heads of state ... took note of the extraneous factors affecting their economies that are beyond their control" (Helen Kitchen).
Passage
Something, such as an exchange of words or blows, that occurs between two persons
A passage at arms.
Passage
A segment of a written work or speech
A celebrated passage from Shakespeare.
Passage
(Music) A segment of a composition, especially one that demonstrates the virtuousity of the composer or performer
A passage of exquisite beauty, played to perfection.
Passage
A section of a painting or other piece of artwork; a detail.
Passage
(Physiology) The process of discharging something from a bodily part, such as evacuation of waste from the bowels.
Passage
(Medicine) The introduction of an instrument into a bodily cavity.
Passage
(Obsolete) Death.
Passage
A slow cadenced trot in which the horse raises and returns to the ground first one diagonal pair of feet, then the other.
Passage
To execute such a trot in dressage.
Passage
To cause (a horse) to execute such a trot in dressage.
Passage
A paragraph or section of text or music with particular meaning.
Passage of scripture
She struggled to play the difficult passages.
Passage
Part of a path or journey.
He made his passage through the trees carefully, mindful of the stickers.
Passage
An incident or episode.
Passage
The official approval of a bill or act by a parliament.
The company was one of the prime movers in lobbying for the passage of the act.
Passage
The advance of time.
Passage
(art) The use of tight brushwork to link objects in separate spatial plains. Commonly seen in Cubist works.
Passage
A passageway or corridor.
Passage
(nautical) A strait or other narrow waterway.
The Northwest Passage
Passage
(caving) An underground cavity, formed by water or falling rocks, which is much longer than it is wide.
Passage
(euphemistic) The vagina.
Passage
The act of passing; movement across or through.
Passage
The right to pass from one place to another.
Passage
A fee paid for passing or for being conveyed between places.
Passage
Serial passage.
Passage
A gambling game for two players using three dice, in which the object is to throw a double over ten.
Passage
(dressage) A movement in classical dressage, in which the horse performs a very collected, energetic, and elevated trot that has a longer period of suspension between each foot fall than a working trot.
Passage
(medicine) To pass something, such as a pathogen or stem cell, through a host or medium.
He passaged the virus through a series of goats.
After 24 hours, the culture was passaged to an agar plate.
Passage
(rare) To make a passage, especially by sea; to cross.
They passaged to America in 1902.
Passage
To execute a passage movement.
Passage
Of a bird: Less than a year old but living on its own, having left the nest.
Passage red-tailed hawks are preferred by falconers because these younger birds have not yet developed the adult behaviors which would make them more difficult to train.
Passage
The act of passing; transit from one place to another; movement from point to point; a going by, over, across, or through; as, the passage of a man or a carriage; the passage of a ship or a bird; the passage of light; the passage of fluids through the pores or channels of the body.
What! are my doors opposed against my passage!
Passage
Transit by means of conveyance; journey, as by water, carriage, car, or the like; travel; right, liberty, or means, of passing; conveyance.
The ship in which he had taken passage.
Passage
Price paid for the liberty to pass; fare; as, to pay one's passage.
Passage
Removal from life; decease; departure; death.
When he is fit and season'd for his passage.
Passage
Way; road; path; channel or course through or by which one passes; way of exit or entrance; way of access or transit. Hence, a common avenue to various apartments in a building; a hall; a corridor.
And with his pointed dartExplores the nearest passage to his heart.
The Persian army had advanced into the . . . passages of Cilicia.
Passage
A continuous course, process, or progress; a connected or continuous series; as, the passage of time.
The conduct and passage of affairs.
The passage and whole carriage of this action.
Passage
A separate part of a course, process, or series; an occurrence; an incident; an act or deed.
The . . . almost incredible passage of their unbelief.
Passage
A particular portion constituting a part of something continuous; esp., a portion of a book, speech, or musical composition; a paragraph; a clause.
How commentators each dark passage shun.
Passage
Reception; currency.
Passage
A pass or en encounter; as, a passage at arms.
No passages of loveBetwixt us twain henceforward evermore.
Passage
A movement or an evacuation of the bowels.
Passage
In parliamentary proceedings: (a) The course of a proposition (bill, resolution, etc.) through the several stages of consideration and action; as, during its passage through Congress the bill was amended in both Houses. (b) The advancement of a bill or other proposition from one stage to another by an affirmative vote; esp., the final affirmative action of the body upon a proposition; hence, adoption; enactment; as, the passage of the bill to its third reading was delayed.
The final question was then put upon its passage.
Passage
The act of passing from one state or place to the next
Passage
A section of text; particularly a section of medium length
Passage
A way through or along which someone or something may pass
Passage
The passing of a law by a legislative body
Passage
A journey usually by ship;
The outward passage took 10 days
Passage
A short section of a musical composition
Passage
A path or channel or duct through or along which something may pass;
The nasal passages
Passage
A bodily process of passing from one place or stage to another;
The passage of air from the lungs
The passing of flatus
Passage
The motion of one object relative to another;
Stellar passings can perturb the orbits of comets
Passage
The act of passing something to another person
Common Curiosities
What defines a passageway?
A passageway is a physical route or corridor designed to allow movement from one area to another within a building or structure.
Can the term "passage" also refer to time?
Yes, "passage" can denote the process of time moving forward, such as the passage of seasons or years.
What is a passage?
A passage refers either to the act of moving from one place to another, a segment of text or music, or a period of time.
How do passages and passageways differ in literature?
In literature, a passage refers to a segment of text, whereas a passageway may be described to set a scene or indicate a physical route within the story's setting.
Is every passageway a passage?
While every passageway can be considered a type of passage in the sense of providing a route for movement, not every passage is a passageway, especially when referring to textual segments or abstract concepts.
What is the significance of passages in narratives?
Passages in narratives can reveal important information, character development, or thematic elements, serving as key components of the story's progression.
What role do passageways play in adventure stories?
Passageways often feature in adventure stories as elements of mystery or discovery, leading characters to new or hidden places.
Can passages be metaphorical?
Yes, passages can be used metaphorically to describe transitions in life, growth, and change, among other abstract concepts.
How are passageways important in architecture?
In architecture, passageways are essential for connecting different spaces within a structure, facilitating flow and accessibility.
How does the design of a passageway affect its use?
The design, including width, lighting, and accessibility, directly impacts how a passageway is used and navigated, influencing the overall functionality of the space.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.