paso

Paso is a Spanish noun with several related meanings. Primarily it denotes a step or passage, and is used for both a single step and a method of moving forward in a sequence. The word comes from Latin passus, meaning a pace or step. In geography, paso also designates a mountain pass or route through a range, and is commonly used in place-names to indicate a crossing point.

In everyday language, paso appears in expressions describing movement, progress, or stages within a process. In dance and music, paso refers to a step; the dance style Paso Doble centers on a particular sequence of steps. The expression paso a paso means step by step.

Toponymy reflects the geographic sense, with many places named Paso to indicate a crossing or gap in terrain. Notable examples include El Paso, Texas; Paso Robles, California; and Paso de los Toros in Uruguay. The root is found in numerous other Spanish-language place-names as well as in districts or neighborhoods within cities.