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
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
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
Definition: peacefully resistant in response to injustice
Usage: passive resistance