passive

[ˈpæsɪv]

passive Definition

  • 1accepting or allowing what happens or what others do, without active response or resistance
  • 2not active or not participating actively

Using passive: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "passive" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She was very passive during the meeting and didn't contribute much.

  • Example

    The sentence is in the passive voice.

  • Example

    He has a passive interest in the stock market.

  • Example

    The company's passive income comes from its real estate investments.

passive Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for passive

Idioms Using passive

  • someone who watches something happen without taking part in it

    Example

    He was just a passive observer during the argument.

  • a role in which one does not take an active part

    Example

    She played a passive role in the project.

  • an investment in which the investor does not take an active role in managing the investment

    Example

    He prefers passive investments like index funds.

Phrases with passive

  • the inhalation of smoke from other people's cigarettes, cigars, or pipes

    Example

    Passive smoking can be harmful to your health.

  • passive-aggressive

    of or denoting a type of behavior or personality characterized by indirect resistance to the demands of others and an avoidance of direct confrontation

    Example

    Her passive-aggressive behavior was making everyone uncomfortable.

  • income received on a regular basis, with little effort required to maintain it

    Example

    Investing in real estate can provide a source of passive income.

Origins of passive

from Latin 'passivus', from 'pati' meaning 'suffer'

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Summary: passive in Brief

The term 'passive' [ˈpæsɪv] refers to accepting or allowing what happens or what others do, without active response or resistance. It can describe people, behaviors, or voice. 'Passive' extends into phrases like 'passive smoking,' and idioms like 'a passive observer,' denoting someone who watches something happen without taking part in it.