# passively

/ˈpæsɪvɫi/ (US) · /pˈɑːsɪvli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/passively
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

doing something without taking action or trying to change a situation. You use this when you let things happen to you instead of being in control.

For teachers: in a manner that accepts or allows what happens or what others do, without active response or resistance. In a linguistic context, it describes a construction where the subject is the recipient of the action.

## Examples

- He sat passively while the others did all the work.
- The students listened passively to the lecture without asking any questions or taking notes.
- By accepting the terms so passively, the committee effectively signed away their right to negotiate any future amendments to the contract.

## Usage notes

- Typically follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of the clause.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.