passive passive /ˈpæsɪv/

adjective

1. () Lacking in energy or will  ( inactive , passive )
   lacking in energy or will
    Much benevolence of the passive order may be traced to a disinclination to inflict pain upon oneself
   Much benevolence of the passive order may be traced to a disinclination to inflict pain upon oneself
   
2. () Peacefully resistant in response to injustice  ( peaceful , passive )
   peacefully resistant in response to injustice
    Passive resistance
   passive resistance
   
3. (grammar) expressing that the subject of the sentence is the patient of the action denoted by the verb  ( passive )
   (grammar) expressing that the subject of the sentence is the patient of the action denoted by the verb
    Academics seem to favor passive sentences
   academics seem to favor passive sentences
   

noun

1. The voice used to indicate that the grammatical subject of the verb is the recipient (not the source) of the action denoted by the verb  ( passive , passive voice )
   the voice used to indicate that the grammatical subject of the verb is the recipient (not the source) of the action denoted by the verb
    The ball was thrown by the boy' uses the passive voice
   The ball was thrown by the boy' uses the passive voice
    The ball was thrown' is an abbreviated passive
   The ball was thrown' is an abbreviated passive