passive
Letting things happen without trying to act or change them.
passive in a sentence
- Instead of joining in the game, Ted sat on the bench, passive and quiet.
- Watching television all day is a passive way to spend a holiday.
Try an 11+ style question
Verbal reasoning papers often ask about a word like this.
Which word is closest in meaning to passive?
- Aactive
- Bsubmissive
- Cassertive
Show the answer
B: submissive. The other three mean the opposite of passive.
Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to passive?
- Aidle
- Bsubmissive
- Cactive
Show the answer
C: active. The other three mean nearly the same as passive.
Words that mean something similar
submissive, idle
Words that mean the opposite
active, assertive
More words about character & personality
- persevere: To keep trying even when something is difficult.
- persist: To keep trying and refuse to give up.
- petty: Small and unimportant, or mean about little things.
- pioneer: Someone who is one of the first to explore a place or try something new.
- placid: Calm and not easily upset or excited.
- pluck: The courage to do something scary.
- poised: Calm, steady and ready to act.
- pompous: Acting too grand and important.
More words to explore
Sitting the 11+ in Kent, Medway or Buckinghamshire?
Plain-English guides to each test, from the councils’ own pages: Kent Test · Medway Test · Bucks Secondary Transfer Test