Pass for Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Age Ambiguity Used when someone looks much younger or older than they really are. At 30, she could pass for 20 in the right lighting. Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal It's about appearance or impression, not necessarily reality. With his accent, he could pass for an American. Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Perception Depends on how people perceive certain traits or stereotypes. She dressed in a saree and could easily pass for an Indian at the festival.