passive

(noun) the voice used to indicate that the grammatical subject of the verb is the recipient (not the source) of the action denoted by the verb. Synonyms: passive voice. Examples: "`the ball was thrown by the boy' uses the passive voice." "`the ball was thrown' is an abbreviated passive."

(adj) lacking in energy or will. Synonyms: passive (vs. active), inactive. Example: "Much benevolence of the passive order may be traced to a disinclination to inflict pain upon oneself"- george meredith."

(adj) peacefully resistant in response to injustice. Synonyms: peaceful. Example: "Passive resistance."

(adj) expressing that the subject of the sentence is the patient of the action denoted by the verb. Synonyms: passive (vs. active). Example: "Academics seem to favor passive sentences."