Passé: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word to describe something that is no longer trendy or fashionable. It's often used in the context of fashion, trends, or social norms, and can have a slightly negative connotation.

• That hairstyle is so passé; people stopped wearing it years ago.
• He always seems up-to-date with his knowledge, never opting for anything passé.

This is used to refer to something that is no longer current or modern, often implying that it should be replaced with something newer. It typically has a negative connotation.

• The website's design is outdated and needs a complete overhaul.
• Using paper records is pretty outdated considering the digital options available now.

This term can describe something that belongs to a style or a way of doing things from the past. It can be both negative and positive, offering either a sense of charm or being out-of-date.

• Her dress has an old-fashioned charm that you don't see much these days.
• He has some old-fashioned views that don't sit well with the younger generation.

This word best fits for describing something that is very old, and often implies that it is so old that it has become obsolete or inefficient. It can be used for objects, ideas, or systems.

• The company decided to replace their antiquated computer system to increase efficiency.
• His ideas on gender roles are quite antiquated and don't fit modern society.

Use 'passé' to describe something that is outdated or no longer in style.

• Bell-bottom jeans are so passé.
• Using a typewriter is considered passé in the modern office.

Use 'past' to refer to something that has already happened or to describe a previous time period.

• Let's not dwell on the past.
• In the past, people traveled by horse and carriage.

The word 'bygone' is used to refer to something that belongs to an earlier time or is no longer existing.

• Talking about the British Empire is speaking of a bygone era.
• She loves the charm of bygone traditions.

'Former' is commonly used to indicate something or someone that was previously in a specified role or condition.

• He is a former president of the club.
• My former teacher taught me a lot.