Transcription
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
-
- [pas-iv]
- /ˈpæs ɪv/
- /ˈpæs.ɪv/
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [pas-iv]
- /ˈpæs ɪv/
Definitions of passive word
- adjective passive not reacting visibly to something that might be expected to produce manifestations of an emotion or feeling. 1
- adjective passive not participating readily or actively; inactive: a passive member of a committee. 1
- adjective passive not involving visible reaction or active participation: to play a passive role. 1
- adjective passive inert or quiescent. 1
- adjective passive influenced, acted upon, or affected by some external force, cause, or agency; being the object of action rather than causing action (opposed to active). 1
- adjective passive receiving or characterized by the reception of impressions or influences from external sources. 1
Information block about the term
Origin of passive
First appearance:
before 1350 One of the 20% oldest English words
1350-1400; Middle English < Latin passīvus literally, submissive, equivalent to pass(us) (past participle of patī to experience, undergo, submit) + -īvus -ive
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Passive
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
passive popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 95% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".
passive usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for passive
adj passive
- apathetic — If you describe someone as apathetic, you are criticizing them because they do not seem to be interested in or enthusiastic about doing anything.
- at rest — not moving; still
- cold-shoulder — to snub; show indifference to.
adjective passive
- acquiescent — Someone who is acquiescent is ready to agree to do what someone wants, or to accept what they do.
- assentive — having the tendency to concur or comply
- bearing — Someone's bearing is the way in which they move or stand.
- coldhearted — lacking sympathy; unfeeling
- deadlocked — If a dispute or series of negotiations is deadlocked, no agreement can be reached because neither side will give in at all. You can also say that the people involved are deadlocked.
Antonyms for passive
adj passive
- aflame — If something is on fire, you can say it is aflame.
- ball of fire — a very lively person
- bellicose — You use bellicose to refer to aggressive actions or behaviour that are likely to start an argument or a fight.
- bullish — On the stock market, if there is a bullish mood, prices are expected to rise. Compare bearish.
- confrontational — If you describe the way that someone behaves as confrontational, you are showing your disapproval of the fact that they are aggressive and likely to cause an argument or dispute.
adjective passive
- agitable — easily agitated or moved
- alarmable — able or prone to be alarmed or disturbed
- competitive — Competitive is used to describe situations or activities in which people or firms compete with each other.
- dynamic — (of a process or system) Characterized by constant change, activity, or progress.
- energetic — Showing or involving great activity or vitality.
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See also
Matching words
- Words starting with p
- Words starting with pa
- Words starting with pas
- Words starting with pass
- Words starting with passi
- Words starting with passiv
- Words starting with passive