passive
She was passive during the meeting and didn't contribute any ideas.
She showed no initiative, allowing others to lead the discussion without her input.
Accepting or allowing what happens without active response or resistance.
The patient's condition remained stable due to passive treatment.
The patient did not actively participate in their recovery; the treatment was administered without their involvement.
Often implies a lack of effort or engagement. Can describe behavior, attitudes, or grammatical structures (e.g., passive voice).
In grammar, relating to or denoting a voice of verbs in which the subject undergoes the action of the verb.
In the sentence 'The ball was kicked by the boy,' the verb 'was kicked' is in the passive voice.
The subject ('the ball') receives the action rather than performing it.
Contrast with active voice, where the subject performs the action (e.g., 'The boy kicked the ball').
Not participating or reacting to events or stimuli.
His passive response to criticism surprised his colleagues.
He showed no emotional reaction or defense, accepting the criticism without response.
May indicate emotional detachment, resignation, or avoidance of conflict.
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Pro Tip
Distinguish passive voice from passive behavior
In grammar, 'passive voice' is a structural feature (e.g., 'The cake was eaten'). In psychology/social contexts, 'passive' describes behavior (e.g., 'She was passive during the debate').
Gold Rule
Use 'passive' accurately in grammar
The passive voice shifts focus to the receiver of the action. To form it: [be verb] + [past participle]. Example: 'The report was written by the team' (team = doer; report = receiver).
Word Origin
From Latin *passivus* 'capable of suffering, acted upon,' from *passus*, past participle of *pati* 'to suffer, endure.' Entered English in the 14th century via Old French *passif*.
Usage Notes
In everyday use, 'passive' often carries a negative connotation, implying laziness or lack of engagement. In grammar, it is a neutral technical term. Context determines whether the meaning is literal (e.g., 'passive behavior') or technical (e.g., 'passive voice').