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passive noun

American  

noun

Grammar.
  1. a noun whose referent is the recipient of an action, as trainee, multiplicand.


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.

On this Memorial Day we are reminded by its origins among Black Americans at the end of the Civil War that democracy must be an active verb, not a passive noun.

From Salon • May 29, 2023

"A good read" is now considered the highest recommendation, though the phrase is entirely non-descriptive and reduces a once purposive and active verb to a meek and passive noun.

From The Guardian • Oct. 8, 2010

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