passive
UK: ˈpæsɪv | US: ˈpæsɪv
adj. accepting or allowing what happens without active response or resistance
adj. (grammar) denoting a voice of verbs in which the subject undergoes the action
n. (grammar) a passive verb form or construction
Derived from Latin passivus ("capable of suffering or feeling"), which stems from pass- (past participle stem of pati, meaning "to suffer" or "endure"). The suffix -ive forms adjectives indicating a tendency or capacity. Over time, "passive" evolved from its original sense of enduring suffering to its modern meanings of non-resistance (behavioral) and grammatical voice (linguistic). The logic reflects a shift from physical endurance to abstract inaction.
She remained passive during the argument, refusing to engage.
The sentence "The book was written by her" uses a passive construction.
His passive attitude toward problems often frustrated his colleagues.
In scientific writing, passive voice is sometimes preferred for objectivity.
The audience was passive, showing little reaction to the performance.