passive
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From French passif, from Latin passivus (“serving to express the suffering of an action; in late Latin literally capable of suffering or feeling”), from pati (“to suffer”), past participle of passus; compare patient.
[edit] Pronunciation
- (UK, US) enPR: păsʹ-ĭv, IPA: /ˈpæs.ɪv/, SAMPA: /"p{s.Iv/
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Audio (US) (file) - Rhymes: -æsɪv
- Hyphenation: pas‧sive
[edit] Adjective
passive (comparative more passive, superlative most passive)
| Examples (being in the passive voice) |
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The passive form of “A meteorite hit the earth” is “The earth was hit by a meteorite.” |
- Being subjected to an action without producing a reaction.
- Taking no action.
- He remained passive during the protest.
- (grammar) Being in the passive voice.
- (psychology) Being inactive and submissive in a relationship, especially in a sexual one.
- (finance) Not participating in management.
[edit] Antonyms
[edit] Synonyms
[edit] Derived terms
[edit] Related terms
[edit] Translations
not active, but acted upon
taking no action
grammar: being in the passive voice
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psychology: being inactive and receptive in a relationship
- The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables, removing any numbers. Numbers do not necessarily match those in definitions. See instructions at Help:How to check translations.
[edit] Noun
passive (plural passives)
- (uncountable, grammar) The passive voice of verbs.
- (countable, grammar) A form of a verb that is in the passive voice.
[edit] Translations
[edit] External links
- passive in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- passive in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
[edit] French
[edit] Pronunciation
- IPA: /pa.siv/
[edit] Adjective
passive f.
- feminine form of passif
[edit] Italian
[edit] Pronunciation
[edit] Adjective
passive pl.
- feminine form of passivo
