"The past" refers to the time that has already occurred; it includes moments, events, and experiences that happened before the present moment. It is often considered in contrast to the present and the future, helping people to reflect on their experiences, learn from them, and understand how they shape current and future circumstances.
The term "past" originates from the Old English word "past," which means "go by" or "passed." It is related to the Latin root "pascere," which means "to feed" or "to nourish," in the sense of time feeding into itself and moving forward.