supine

[soo-pahyn, soo-pahyn]

adjective

1. lying on the back, face or front upward.

2. inactive, passive, or inert, especially from indolence or indifference.

3. (of the hand) having the palm upward.

noun

1. (in Latin) a noun form derived from verbs, appearing only in the accusative and the dative-ablative, as dictū in mirābile dictū, “wonderful to say.”

2. (in English) the simple infinitive of a verb preceded by to.

3. an analogous form in some other language.

supine

adjective

1. lying or resting on the back with the face, palm, etc, upwards

2. displaying no interest or animation; lethargic

noun

1. sup. grammar a noun form derived from a verb in Latin, often used to express purpose with verbs of motion

Other Word Forms

• supinely adverb
• supineness noun
• unsupine adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of supine¹

First recorded in 1490–1500, supine is from the Latin word supīnus lying face up, inactive

Word History and Origins

Origin of supine¹

C15: from Latin supīnus related to sub under, up; (in grammatical sense) from Latin verbum supīnum supine word (the reason for this use is unknown)

Example Sentences

This Trumpist fulfillment is largely enabled by a supine Republican Congress and a Supreme Court that is seemingly eager to codify it.

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Will a supine Congress rouse itself to protect public education?

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That brings us to the supine response of Congress to Kennedy’s actions.

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Our supine Republican Congress, in fear of alienating Musk and Trump, has abdicated its role in this critical balance, handing over control of the purse strings to Trump and Musk.

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Whether it's cosy fare to view by the fire or in a supine position – or a gentle comedy that you can share with family, we've got you.

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