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English Lexicon

Passively

/ˈpæs.ɪv.li/
adverbCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #4500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As adverb
  1. 1

    In a way that allows things to happen or for someone else to take action, without responding or resisting.

    "He tended to sit back and watch events unfold rather than acting passively."
  2. 2

    Without direct intervention or active participation.

    "The solar panels absorb sunlight passively throughout the day."

Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum

Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the adjective 'passive', which comes from the Late Latin 'passivus' (capable of suffering or enduring), from the Latin verb 'pati' (to endure, suffer). The adverbial suffix '-ly' was added in Middle English to form terms describing a manner of non-resistance or reception.

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Thesaurus & Synonyms Graph

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