be passable; be acceptable; get by
Meanings
4 senses · 12 examplesverb
be passable; be physically able to pass through
Used literally for physical spaces or passages.
This alley is very wide; a car can get through.
This bridge is damaged; people can barely get across, but cars cannot.
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The door crack is too narrow; not even a slip of paper can pass through.
verb
get by; manage to live (financially or in life)
informalDescribes a tolerable, if not comfortable, standard of living.
His family's life is still getting by for now.
The salary isn't high, but we can get by if we're frugal.
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The pension isn't much, but the old couple is just barely managing.
verb
be acceptable; be passable (in terms of quality or effort)
informalUsed to judge if something is just barely adequate or satisfactory.
Preparing some tea and snacks for the guests will be acceptable.
This article is written sloppily, but it's still passable.
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Although the test scores aren't top-notch, they are considered acceptable.
verb
feel at ease; feel okay about something (often used in rhetorical questions)
informalUsed to express that one cannot feel comfortable or accept a situation, especially when someone else has suffered. The negative form '过不去' is also very common.
Seeing you so exhausted, how can I possibly feel okay about it?
My friend helped me so much; if I don't treat him to a meal, I just won't feel right.
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You've been running around so much for my sake; how can I ever be okay with this!