passport

Definitions

A compound of pass (to go through, from Old French passer) and port (a gate or harbor, from Latin porta/portus). Literally 'a document that lets you pass through the port/gate.' In the age of walled port cities, travelers needed official papers to enter or leave through the gates.

Why It Means This

Passport is a compound word from Old French passeport — literally a document authorizing passage through a port or gate. In medieval Europe, travelers needed written permission to pass through the gates of walled cities and harbors. Today it refers to the standard government-issued identity document for international travel. Figuratively, 'a passport to success' means something that grants access to an opportunity.

Common Collocations

• 1.valid passport有效护照
• 2.passport holder护照持有人
• 3.passport control护照查验
• 4.renew a passport续签护照
• 5.passport to success通往成功的通行证

Example Sentences

• 1.

  You need a valid passport to travel abroad.

• 2.

  She renewed her passport before the expiration date.

• 3.

  A good education can be a passport to a better life.

• 4.

  The border officer stamped my passport and waved me through.