passive
Translation
passive, inactive, submissive
Examples
He has a very passive personality.
He has a very passive personality.
The verb is in the passive voice.
The verb is in the passive voice.
Passive smoking can also be harmful.
Passive smoking can also be harmful.
Grammar Patterns
to be passive to accept what happens without taking action He tends to be passive in meetings.
passive voice the grammatical voice where the subject receives the action This sentence is in the passive voice.
Similar Words
Synonyms: inactive, submissive, unresisting; Antonyms: active, assertive
Etymology
From Latin 'passivus', from 'pati' (to suffer, endure). It's the opposite of 'active'.
Memory Tips
Think of someone who just lets things happen *to* them, without taking action. They are 'passing' on the chance to act.