passivity

[ pa-siv-i-tee ]

noun

Also pas·sive·ness [pas-iv-nis]. /ˈpæs ɪv nɪs/. the state or condition of being passive.
chemical inactivity, especially the resistance to corrosion of certain metals when covered with a coherent oxide layer.

Origin of passivity

First recorded in 1650–60; passive + -ity

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

As Brooks registers those words, Poitier’s face is so composed you could mistake its quietude for passivity.
Why All Actors—and the World—Owe a Debt to Sidney Poitier | Stephanie Zacharek | January 7, 2022 | Time
This is actually a sign of submissiveness, a sign of passivity, a sign of weakness.
Exude power and confidence with better body language | John Kennedy | August 13, 2021 | Popular-Science
The cuts introduced all sorts of harmful wrinkles and distortions into the tax code, in ways that privilege passivity over labor.
Fiscal Cliff Hostage Situation Day 14: The Thelma & Louise Caucus | Daniel Gross | November 21, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
The first debate moved the polls because Obama, through his passivity, allowed Romney to shine.
Obama Wins Second Debate, But Romney Scores With Centrist, Likable Storyline | Peter Beinart | October 17, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
Layoff seems to be the most commonly used word despite—or maybe because of—a passivity that cheats the impact of the experience.
The Unemployed Finally Speak Out: D.W. Gibson’s ‘Not Working’ | D.W. Gibson | June 19, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST

Too large an American effort created passivity, he believed, and undermined the local government in the long term.
Richard Holbrooke's Last Mission in Afghanistan by David Rohde | David Rohde | November 26, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST
These historical warnings, however, should not become a justification for passivity.
Our Next Step in the Middle East | Jeremi Suri | October 8, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST
From an active state of resistance the ego traversed a descending curve ending in absolute passivity.
Dope | Sax Rohmer
Then he would relax his whole being and let himself be once more bewitched into passivity by clouds and waving grasses.
Sinister Street, vol. 1 | Compton Mackenzie
If then the active man be859 something qualified, "activity" and "passivity" should not be referred to relation.
Plotinos: Complete Works, v. 3 | Plotinos (Plotinus)
Likewise, what is both "active" and "passive" becomes such in participating in "activity" and "passivity."
Plotinos: Complete Works, v. 3 | Plotinos (Plotinus)
He quaffed deeply and exhaustively that cup of joy in the quiescence and passivity of complete happiness.
The conquest of Rome | Matilde Serao

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