Definition of the word pass for

The phrase "pass for" has its origins in the medieval period, during which time a person or object could be "passed over" or "let go" as a way to let someone else take responsibility for it. Over time, the expression "pass for" emerged, which was used to describe how something appeared or was perceived by others. In its earliest recorded usage, dating back to the 1400s, "pass for" was used to describe how someone could be mistaken for someone else. For example, someone might say, "He passes for his brother." This usage continued into the 1600s, when "pass for" began to be used more broadly to describe a range of similarities or resemblances between two people, things, or concepts. By the 1800s, the expression "passes for" had become a commonly used part of the English language, appearing in a wide range of texts, from novels to legal documents. Today, it continues to be used in everyday speech and writing, indicating how something is perceived by others, whether it be a person's appearance, a product's quality, or an idea's credibility. The meaning of "pass for" has also evolved over time, with some modern usages extending beyond just appearance and perception. Today, it can also be used to describe how something can be accepted or approved by others, such as in the phrase "this document passes for legal certification." However, its core meaning remains the same: it indicates how something appears or is perceived by others, based on their reactions and observations.