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passive

[pas-iv] / ˈpæs ɪv /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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Meanwhile, here’s one other consideration: Running a private-equity portfolio is a much more expensive enterprise than running a passive portfolio of publicly traded stocks.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 30, 2026

The Latina expression of the gothic through self-styling is not a passing algorithmic trend — nor is it a passive imitation of white subcultures.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2026

It is quite another thing for England to be as passive and error-prone as they were in this game, limp in the tackle and with questionable body language.

From BBC ● Oct. 24, 2026

His laundromat, which includes a wash-and-fold business, is far from passive, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 19, 2026

How can I stand here, passive and mute, leaving all the words to Peeta?

From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

In the case of “have died”, though, neither patients nor passives come into it.

From Economist ● May 24, 2018

Promoters, passives and detractors have vastly different economic value to most companies.

From Forbes ● Sep. 20, 2012

In their attitude toward integration, Little Rock's Protestant and Jewish clergymen can be classified as "pushers," "powers" and "passives."

From Time Magazine Archive

The advice to bring zombie nouns back to life as verbs and to convert passives into actives is ubiquitous in style guides and plain language laws.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

It’s in the third person, and filled with zombie nouns like Extreme Exposure and passives like are more easily affected.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker


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