B2adjectivepsychologywork
US/ˈpæs.ɪv/
UK/ˈpæs.ɪv/
accepting what happens without taking action or showing strong feeling
In context
He stayed passive during the meeting and let others make every decision.
Watching television all day is a very passive activity.
Teachers want students to be active, not passive, in class.
Words that go with passive
adjective + noun
- passive roleShe played a passive role in the meeting.
- passive smokingPassive smoking is harmful to children.
- passive voiceTeachers often explain the passive voice with examples.
- passive learnerA passive learner rarely asks questions.
- passive incomeHe earns passive income from renting an apartment.
- passive resistanceThey used passive resistance against the new law.