passage

UK: ˈpæsɪdʒ | US: ˈpæsɪdʒ

Definition
  1. n. a route or path through a space (e.g., a corridor or channel)

  2. n. the act of moving from one place to another

  3. n. a short section of a written or musical work

Structure
pass <go>age <noun suffix indicating action/result>
Etymology

The word "passage" originates from Old French passage, derived from the verb passer ("to pass"), which itself comes from Latin passus ("step, pace"). The suffix -age denotes an action or its result, turning the verb "pass" into a noun describing the act of moving or a pathway. Over time, "passage" expanded to include metaphorical paths (e.g., literary excerpts) and transitions (e.g., time passage).

Examples
  1. The secret passage led to a hidden garden.

  2. The ship’s passage through the storm was treacherous.

  3. She read a poignant passage from the novel aloud.

  4. The bill’s passage into law took months of debate.

  5. Migratory birds rely on this corridor for safe passage.