passo

Passo is a term of Italian origin with several related meanings. In everyday usage, it denotes a step or pace, such as a single footprint or movement of the foot. It can also refer to a stage or phase within a process, for example when describing progress or sequence in tasks. In dance and music, passo designates a step within a sequence, with phrases like passo doppio or passo a due appearing in instructional material and choreography. The common idiom fare un passo avanti means to take a step forward.

Etymology and related terms: Passo comes from the Latin passus, meaning “a step” or “a pace.” It is cognate with similar words in other Romance languages, reflecting its long-standing use to describe movement, progression, and travel.

Geography and toponymy: In Italy and neighboring regions, Passo frequently appears in place names and geographic terms, especially for mountain passes and routes that cross between valleys or regions. These toponyms signal historical crossing points and have become embedded in regional geography and travel culture.

Other uses: Passo also exists as an Italian surname, carried by individuals across various professions. Beyond its literal sense, the word appears in numerous compound names and expressions throughout Italian language and culture, reflecting its core notions of movement, transition, and passage.

See also: Passo (disambiguation) for additional uses and specific places bearing the name Passo.