Langimage
English

passively

|pas/sive/ly|

B2

/ˈpæsɪvli/

(passive)

without active response

Base FormNoun
passivepassivity
Etymology
Etymology Information

'passively' originates from the Latin word 'passivus', where 'pass-' meant 'to suffer or endure'.

Historical Evolution

'passivus' transformed into the Old French word 'passif', and eventually became the modern English word 'passive'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to endure or suffer', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'not active or reactive'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

in a passive manner; without active response or resistance.

She listened passively to the lecture, not engaging with the material.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39