What does passive mean?
Passive describes something that receives an action, responds to influence, or fails to take an active role. In everyday use, calling someone passive often suggests that they are uninvolved, unassertive, or allowing others to act without making their own contribution. In grammar, the passive voice forms a sentence around the object of an action, while the actor may be expressed with a form of the verb “to be” or omitted. A passive can also be a person or unit that is not directly engaged in an action, such as a reserve player or a military force awaiting deployment. The word derives from Latin and ultimately from a root meaning “to suffer” or “endure,” so its associations with receiving rather than initiating actions have a long history.
Not participating actively or exerting influence; receiving or responding to action rather than initiating it.
"The negotiations stalled because both sides adopted a passive approach."
In grammar, the adjective identifies the passive voice. In social contexts, it may imply reluctance to act or assert oneself.
A person or thing that is not directly engaged in an action, especially a participant held in reserve or not directly involved in a team or conflict.
"The reserves remained on the bench as passive observers of the match."
This sense is common in sport, military, and strategic contexts.
Used for people or units that are not directly engaged in an action; in grammar, the term can also refer to passive constructions.
"The team rotated its passives while the main players continued playing."
The word passive comes from the same Latin root as patience and compassion, linking the idea of receiving or enduring with some of English's most familiar virtues.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does passive come from?
The English word passive entered through French passif, which was derived from Latin passivus, meaning “suffering” or “being subjected to.” Latin passivus was formed from pati, “to suffer” or “to endure,” the same root that also underlies patient, patience, and compassion. In English, the word developed both grammatical and social senses associated with receiving action or remaining uninvolved.
Related word forms
How passive is actually used
Passive is common in general English and is especially frequent in discussions of grammar, politics, conflict, and social behaviour. In grammar, it describes a construction in which the subject receives the action; in social contexts, it can suggest inactivity, compliance, or lack of initiative, sometimes with a mildly critical connotation.
Easily confused with passive
Inactive describes a lack of activity or movement, while passive specifically emphasizes the absence of an active role or response.
Patient means willing to wait calmly or endure difficulties, whereas passive generally means not taking an active part or exerting influence.