supine
UK: ˈsuː.paɪn | US: ˈsuː.paɪn
adj. lying face upward
adj. passive or inactive; lacking energy
n. (grammar) a Latin verbal noun form
supine = sup<under> + ine<adjective suffix>
- sup (from Latin sup-, sub- meaning "under")
- ine (Latin adjectival suffix indicating state or quality)
Etymology Origin:
The word "supine" originates from Latin supinus ("lying on the back"), derived from sub- ("under") + -inus (adjective-forming suffix). The literal sense of "lying under" (i.e., face up) evolved metaphorically to describe passivity or lethargy. In grammar, it refers to a Latin verb form that "lies back" in a fixed, unchanging state.
She lay supine on the grass, staring at the clouds.
His supine attitude toward challenges frustrated his team.
The patient remained supine during the examination.
The Latin supine is rarely used in modern languages.
Critics accused the government of supine compliance with corporate demands.