pass与elapse这两个动词均可表示“过去,消逝”之意。
pass : 最普通常用词,指岁月的流逝,某些自然现象或事情的过去。侧重其结果。
elapse : 书面用词,指时间等不知不觉地逝去,含义比 pass 窄,常常侧重从某一特定时间到另一特定时间的过去。
- 他大学毕业都八年了,但还没有找到一个高薪工作。
Eight years had elapsed since he left college and still he hadn't found a lucrative job. - 一晃就是十二年过去了。他皱眉的样子依然很容易让人想起他的父亲。
Twelve years had elapsed in a flash. The way he frowned was still strongly reminiscent of his father.
(拓展学习:小词详解 | elapse)