Passive

Definition

Passive refers to accepting or allowing what happens or what others do, without active response or resistance.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpæsɪv/
• Respelling: PASS-iv (with "PASS" as in "pass," and "iv" as in "give")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpæsɪv/
• Respelling: PASS-iv (similar to American English, with "PASS" as in "pass," and "iv" as in "give")

In both dialects, "passive" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "PASS." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of the "PASS" part followed by a softer "iv."

Etymology

The term "passive" is derived from the Latin word "passivus", which means "suffered" or "endured". This comes from the past participle of the Latin verb "pati", which means "to suffer".

Derivatives

• Passivity
• Passively
• Passiveness
• Passive-aggressive
• Passivize

Synonyms

• Inactive
• Submissive
• Docile

Antonyms

• Active
• Assertive
• Aggressive

Usage

"Passive" is frequently used to describe an individual's demeanor or approach towards situations that signifies a lack of direct involvement, assertiveness, or resistance. In grammar, it denotes a specific construction where the subject of the sentence undergoes the action of the verb.

Related Terms

• Pacifism
• Compliance
• Resignation
• Indifference
• Passive voice

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Accepting or allowing what happens or what others do, without active response or resistance.
• Example: "Her passive demeanor made it easy for others to overlook her."

• (Of a verb form or construction) In which the subject undergoes the action of the verb.
• Example: "The sentence 'The cat was chased by the dog' is in the passive voice."

• Not participating actively.
• Example: "He remained a passive observer during the entire event."

Noun

• A verb form of the passive voice or a clause containing such a verb form.
• Example: "In the sentence 'The cake was eaten,' 'was eaten' is a passive."