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A Writer's Dictionary:

passive Definition


Dictionary Home » Words Starting with P » pass away or on ... pasted » passive


passive
adj
    1. Lacking positive or assertive qualities; submissive.
      Thesaurus: compliant, docile, submissive, receptive, influenced, patient, resigned, enduring, docile, reactive, forbearing, quiet; Antonym: active, aggressive.
    2. Lethargic; inert.
      Thesaurus: motionless, inert, inactive, latent, lifeless, indolent; Antonym: vigorous.
    3a. grammar.
      Denoting or relating to a verbal construction which in English consists of be and the past participle (see under participle), which carries a meaning in which the subject undergoes, rather than performs, the action of the verb, such as ‘the letter' in The letter was written by John. Compare active;
    3b. grammar.
      Denoting or relating to the verb in such a construction.
noun
    1. The form or forms that a passive verb takes.
      Form: passive voice (also)
    2. A passive verb or construction.
Derivative: passively
adverb
    Derivative: passiveness
    noun
      Etymology: 14c: from Latin passivus.



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