Passe

Passé (pronounced pa-SAY) is a French word meaning 'past' or 'gone by'. It is most commonly used in English to describe something that is outdated, no longer fashionable, or out of date in a particular context like clothing styles, technology, or even ideas. It implies a shift in time, where something that was once current has become obsolete or unfashionable. The term carries a nuance of being somewhat irrelevant or even a bit quaint due to its age. It is often used in the context of trends and their evolution. The word’s usage allows for a sophisticated way to characterize something as antiquated. It speaks to the dynamic nature of culture and taste and their constantly changing states. In the context of social issues, it implies that beliefs or viewpoints are no longer valid in light of contemporary understanding and societal change.

Passe meaning with examples

• The shoulder pads on the vintage dress were undeniably passé. While once a symbol of power dressing in the 1980s, they now seemed dramatically out of place. She chuckled, recognizing how fashion trends evolve over time and what was once considered chic now felt antiquated. It was clear that the style had run its course, reflecting a bygone era and the ever-changing nature of style's tides. The once-desired garment felt disconnected from modern fashion.
• Using floppy disks to store digital information felt incredibly passé compared to the convenience of cloud storage and flash drives. The outdated technology was slow, cumbersome and took an embarrassing amount of time to save and transfer data. It was a clear marker of technological advancement, reflecting how easily innovation makes previously state-of-the-art equipment feel behind the times and obsolete. It was obvious it was from a bygone era, far removed from the modern way.
• Her grandmother considered the rise of online dating passé, preferring more traditional methods of meeting a partner, such as meeting someone through mutual friends. The older woman felt that online dating lacked the personal touch and spontaneity of chance encounters. She held a belief that romance had become commoditized, a direct result of a dated perspective that failed to adapt to the evolving times and shifting relationship expectations.
• Certain political opinions and social viewpoints from a previous generation could now be deemed passé due to changing social norms and expanded understanding of diverse issues. The changing times had shown that some viewpoints were simply out of step with the evolution of society and the desire to create equal footing for all peoples. These previously acceptable beliefs were now seen as outdated and contrary to modern sensibilities and a desire to include all points of view.
• While once a popular form of entertainment, watching television shows on a physical television set is becoming increasingly passé, with streaming services on phones, laptops and tablets gaining popularity. The trend reflects how viewing habits are evolving and the flexibility that modern entertainment offers. Television sets are becoming relics, reflecting how technology is quickly shifting toward a more modern view of media consumption.