supine

American  

[soo-pahyn, soo-pahyn] / suˈpaɪn, ˈsu paɪn /

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.

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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 British  

adjective

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

2. displaying no interest or animation; lethargic

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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

Etymology

Origin of supine

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

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2025

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.

From Salon • Dec. 20, 2024

The bodies appear to be laid supine, but most bones have dissolved because of the acidic soil.

From BBC • Oct. 5, 2023

A hinged support slowly elevates a supine patient into a partial sitting position.

From New York Times • Jun. 15, 2023

She lay supine on her bed without a pillow, a glass of water within easy reach and, at her side, a book she knew she could not read.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan