Passive's the opposite of active. It's several specific meanings: Passive voice of a verb Passivation's the formation of a non-reactive surface film that inhibits further corrosion of a metal Passive components in electronics Passive mode in File Transfer Protocol Passive house, a standard for energy efficient buildings Emotional passivity's a form of submission to domination in relationship, and isn't necessarily sexual in nature Social passivity's a form of submission to the dominant s… (More on Passive)