Main entry: passive, passive voice
Definition: 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
Usage: `The ball was thrown by the boy' uses the passive voice; `The ball was thrown' is an abbreviated passive
Antonyms: active, active voice
Definition: the voice used to indicate that the grammatical subject of the verb is performing the action or causing the happening denoted by the verb
Main entry: inactive, passive
Definition: lacking in energy or will
Usage: Much benevolence of the passive order may be traced to a disinclination to inflict pain upon oneself- George Meredith
Antonyms: active
Definition: disposed to take action or effectuate change
Main entry: passive
Definition: expressing that the subject of the sentence is the patient of the action denoted by the verb
Usage: academics seem to favor passive sentences
Antonyms: active
Definition: expressing that the subject of the sentence has the semantic function of actor: "Hemingway favors active constructions"
Main entry: peaceful, passive
Definition: peacefully resistant in response to injustice
Usage: passive resistance
Antonyms: violent
Definition: acting with or marked by or resulting from great force or energy or emotional intensity