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passivity

[pa-siv-i-tee]

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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR passivity ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

Nearby words

Origin of passivity

First recorded in 1650–60; passive + -ity

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for passivity

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|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|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|DAILY BEAST
In fact, his passivity has called Ken's very existence into question.
How Ken Won Barbie's Heart Back|Danielle Friedman|February 14, 2011|DAILY BEAST

Moreover, she blames the coalition for months of passivity, failing to attack the insurance industry.
The Netroots Take the Gloves Off|Art Levine|October 31, 2009|DAILY BEAST
He seized her hand, and then volition seemed to leave her, and she went off into a state of passivity.
Far from the Madding Crowd|Thomas Hardy
Yet it pleased, it somewhat relieved, his kinsman to see his passivity as not a little foolish.
The Tragic Muse|Henry James
Alspaugh's blundering in bringing the company into line awakened this ire from a passivity to activity.
The Red Acorn|John McElroy
He quaffed deeply and exhaustively that cup of joy in the quiescence and passivity of complete happiness.
The conquest of Rome|Matilde Serao
You scorn their passivity; but it was their nature and their merit to be passive.
New Grub Street|George Gissing

Word Origin and History for passivity

passivity

n.

1650s, from passive + -ity.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper