Definition of "past" in Anglais

noun

1. The period of time that has already happened, in contrast to the present and the future.

   • a book about a time machine that can transport people back into the past
   • 1830, Daniel Webster, a speech The past, at least, is secure.

2. (grammar) The past tense.

adjective

1. Having already happened; in the past; finished.

   • past glories

2. (postmodifier) Following expressions of time to indicate how long ago something happened; ago.

3. Of a period of time: having just gone by; previous.

   • during the past year

4. (grammar) Of a tense, expressing action that has already happened or a previously-existing state.

   • past tense

adverb

1. In a direction that passes.

   • I watched him walk past.

preposition

1. Beyond in place or quantity.

   • the room past mine
   • count past twenty

2. (time) Any number of minutes after the last hour.

   • What's the time? - It's now quarter past twelve midday (or 12.15pm) -O,K., we'll stop at half (past) twelve

3. No longer capable of.

   • I'm past caring what he thinks of me.

4. Having recovered or moved on from (a traumatic experience, etc.).

5. Passing by, especially without stopping or being delayed.

   • Ignore them, we'll play past them.
   • Please don't drive past the fruit stand, I want to stop there.

verb

1. (obsolete) simple past and past participle of pass