The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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passive

adjective

/ˈpæs ɪv/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of passive

Not actively participating or engaged in an action or process.
"The passive observer watched the events unfold without intervening."

Detailed meaning of passive

In the case of a person, it can imply a lack of initiative, resistance, or reaction to the events or surroundings. For example, a passive audience might simply absorb information without questioning or interacting. In a grammatical context, 'passive' refers to a voice in which the subject is acted upon by the verb, such as in the sentence "The cake was eaten by the children." Furthermore, in finance, 'passive' may be used to describe a type of income or investment strategy where there is little to no active management or effort involved, like earning interest on savings or investing in index funds.

Example sentences containing passive

1. He had a passive attitude towards life, letting things happen without taking any initiative.
2. The passive observer silently watched the events unfold without getting involved.
3. She had a passive approach to conflict, avoiding confrontation at all costs.
4. The passive listener nodded along but didn't actively engage in the conversation.
5. He had a passive role in the project, following instructions rather than contributing ideas.
6. The passive employee rarely took on new challenges or sought opportunities for growth.

History and etymology of passive

The adjective 'passive' has its etymological roots in Latin, particularly from the word 'passivus,' which is derived from 'pati,' meaning 'to suffer' or 'to endure.' In its original Latin sense, 'passivus' denoted a state of being acted upon or enduring something rather than actively participating in an action. Over time, as the word entered Middle English, it retained its fundamental meaning of not actively participating or engaging in an action or process. The etymology of 'passive' emphasizes its historical connection to the concept of passivity and the idea of being acted upon rather than taking active initiative, reflecting its modern usage to describe a state of inactivity or lack of agency in various contexts.

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Further usage examples of passive

1. The passive driver allowed others to merge into traffic without asserting their right of way.
2. She had a passive demeanor, often appearing disengaged or uninterested in conversations.
3. The passive investor preferred low-risk, stable investments with minimal involvement.
4. The passive response to the crisis led to a prolonged and unresolved situation.
5. The passive student rarely asked questions or participated actively in class discussions.
6. The passive stance of the government on the issue disappointed many citizens.
7. He adopted a passive strategy in negotiations, hoping the other party would make concessions.
8. The passive approach to healthcare led to delayed treatment and worsening conditions.
9. The passive role of the team member hindered the progress of the project.
10. She had a passive nature, always relying on others to make decisions for her.
11. The passive audience sat silently, showing little enthusiasm or engagement.
12. The passive participant simply went along with the majority without expressing their opinion.
13. The passive response from the company's management created frustration among the employees.
14. He had a passive mindset, often accepting circumstances as they were without taking action to change them.