passivity

[ pa-siv-i-tee ]

/ pæˈsɪv ɪ ti /

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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.

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No one wanted to rent the run-down house on the corner.

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I had rent the apartment from an eccentric old lady.

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Origin of passivity

First recorded in 1650–60; passive + -ity

Words nearby passivity

passive transfer, passive tremor, passive vocabulary, passive voice, passivism, passivity, passkey, pass law, pass muster, pass off, Passo Fundo

Example sentences from the Web for passivity

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|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|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
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|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
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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passivity

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passivity

noun

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Origin of passivity

Words nearby passivity

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Example sentences from the Web for passivity