passive

passive — adjective

1. in grammar, describing a verb form where the subject receives the action instead

1.形容詞B1
釋義

in grammar, describing a verb form where the subject receives the action instead of doing it.

例句

In Carla's homework, 'The cake was eaten' is passive.

predicate adjective after be: the verb is passive

Dr. Wu's lab report sounded formal because every sentence was passive.

common in formal writing

反義詞
  • active

    grammar term for forms where the subject does the action

文法句型

[verb/form/voice] + be + passive

passive + noun (passive sentence, passive verb)

用法筆記

Usually used after a linking verb or before grammar nouns such as 'voice', 'form', and 'sentence'. Distinguish from noun sense 1, where 'the passive' names the grammar pattern itself.

常見錯誤

❌The sentence is passive voice.
✅The sentence is passive.
💡after 'be', use the adjective 'passive'; 'passive voice' is a noun phrase.

2. quietly letting events or other people control what happens, without trying to l

2.形容詞B2
釋義

quietly letting events or other people control what happens, without trying to lead, resist, or change things.

例句

Mia stayed passive while her friends chose the restaurant.

stay/remain passive

A passive school board let the chair cut the music budget.

passive + group or institution

同義詞
  • inactive

    emphasises not doing much, without the idea of yielding control

  • submissive

    stronger; suggests obeying others and accepting lower power

  • compliant

    focuses on following rules or requests, often without protest

反義詞
  • active

    taking part and trying to influence events

  • assertive

    willing to speak up and push for your own view

文法句型

be/stay/remain passive

passive + noun (passive role, passive attitude)

用法筆記

Often used with verbs like 'stay', 'remain', and 'become'. It suggests lack of action or resistance, not simple politeness or calmness.

常見錯誤

❌The machine is passive, so it uses little power.
✅The machine is inactive, so it uses little power.
💡passive describes behaviour or roles, not whether a device is operating.

3. used for money that keeps coming from rent, investments, or similar sources with

3.形容詞C1
釋義

used for money that keeps coming from rent, investments, or similar sources without daily work from you.

例句

Rent from the small shop gives Elena passive income each month.

fixed phrase: passive income

Mr. Lee hopes dividends will become passive income after he retires.

同義詞
  • residual

    often used for income that continues after earlier creative or sales work

  • hands-off

    informal; stresses that little daily management is needed

反義詞
  • earned

    describes money received directly from current work

  • active

    used in finance for income that depends on regular labour

文法句型

passive income

earn/generate passive income

用法筆記

Almost always appears in the fixed phrase 'passive income'. The money usually comes from an asset or earlier work, not from current hours of labour.

常見錯誤

❌My salary from the office is passive income.
✅Rent from my flat is passive income.
💡normal salary comes from active daily work, so it is not passive income.

passive — noun