What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pacifist
Example
She is a pacifist and refuses to support any military intervention. [pacifist: noun]
Example
The pacifist movement gained momentum during the Vietnam War. [pacifist: adjective]
passivist
Example
He is a passivist and never speaks up when he disagrees with something. [passivist: noun]
Example
Her passivist attitude is preventing her from achieving her goals. [passivist: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pacifist is a more common and widely recognized term than passivist. Pacifist is used in various contexts, including politics, social activism, and personal beliefs, while passivist is less common and may be unfamiliar to some people.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between pacifist and passivist?
Both pacifist and passivist are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, pacifist is more commonly used and may be considered more formal due to its association with social and political activism.