What does passive mean

See word origin. Influenced or acted upon without exerting influence or acting in return; inactive, but acted upon. The definition of passive is not reacting to something that would generally cause a response.

Passive is defined as a sentence that is formed by a noun, then a verb then the phrase "by noun. The passive voice. A verb or construction in the passive voice. Not requiring or using electric power to function. Refers to either the complete absence or to a reduction of electronic processing in a device. For example, "passive 3D" glasses use non-changing lenses in ordinary eyeglass frames in contrast to "active 3D" glasses that contain electronic circuits. Passive matrix displays use fewer transistors than their active matrix counterparts.

See passive 3D and passive matrix. Contrast with active. Offering no opposition or resistance; submissive; yielding; patient. Taking no active part; inactive. Of, relating to, or being certain bonds or shares that do not bear financial interest.

Karen Australian. Hayley Australian. Natasha Australian. Veena Indian. Priya Indian. Neerja Indian. Zira US English. Oliver British. Wendy British.

Fred US English. Tessa South African. How to say passive in sign language? Examples of passive in a Sentence Evy Hambro : The weight of money flowing into products in this area, whether they are active or passive , will shift the cost of capital for companies.

Michael Goforth : It can be a really passive , intuitive thing. Sydney Harris : We have not passed that subtle line between childhood and adulthood until we move from the passive voice to the active voice-that is, until we have stopped saying 'It got lost,' and say, 'I lost it.

Michael Goforth : I don't know how to describe it. Popularity rank by frequency of use passive 1 Select another language:. Please enter your email address: Subscribe. Discuss these passive definitions with the community: 0 Comments.

Notify me of new comments via email. Cancel Report. Send us feedback. Middle English, from Latin passivus , from passus , past participle of pati.

See more words from the same century. Accessed 13 Nov. More Definitions for passive. See the full definition for passive in the English Language Learners Dictionary. Note: Under the Internal Revenue Code, there are two sources of passive income: rental activity and a business in which the taxpayer does not materially participate. Nglish: Translation of passive for Spanish Speakers.

Britannica English: Translation of passive for Arabic Speakers. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free! Log in Sign Up. Save Word. Definition of passive Entry 1 of 2. Definition of passive Entry 2 of 2. Other Words from passive Adjective passively adverb. Choose the Right Synonym for passive Adjective inactive , idle , inert , passive , supine mean not engaged in work or activity.