Passivity: meaning, definitions and examples

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passivity

[ˌpæˈsɪvɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in psychology

The state or condition of being passive, inactivity or lack of initiative.

Synonyms

complacency, inactivity, resignation, submissiveness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
passivity	Often used to describe a lack of action or reaction in situations where action is expected or necessary, without implying satisfaction or contentment. Her passivity in the face of injustice surprised everyone
inactivity	Refers to a state of not engaging in physical or mental activities. Neutral term that can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the situation. Too much inactivity can lead to health problems
submissiveness	Describes a tendency to yield to the will or authority of others. Often has a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of assertiveness or independence. Her submissiveness in meetings made it difficult for her colleagues to take her ideas seriously
complacency	Conveys a sense of self-satisfaction and unawareness of potential dangers or deficiencies. Usually has a negative connotation. The company's complacency led to its downfall when new competitors emerged
resignation	Implies acceptance of a situation or condition that one finds undesirable or unavoidable. Often has a negative and passive connotation. He sighed in resignation when he realized the problem couldn't be fixed

Examples of usage

Her passivity in the face of danger was concerning.
The passivity of the group allowed the leader to dominate the discussion.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in physics

The property of a system that does not change as time progresses.

Synonyms

constancy, invariance, stability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
passivity	Use this word when referring to a state of being inactive or without resistance, often with a slight negative connotation implying a lack of initiative or response. Her passivity in the meeting was surprising given her usual assertiveness. The manager was frustrated by the team's passivity during the project's critical phase.
stability	This term is used to convey the idea of steadiness or resilience in various contexts such as emotional well-being, structural integrity, or economic conditions. The stability of the building was a testament to its careful design and construction. Financial stability is important for long-term planning.
invariance	Employ this word in scientific or mathematical contexts to describe a situation where a quantity or condition remains unchanged despite different variables or circumstances. The principle of invariance is crucial in theoretical physics. The experiment aimed to test the invariance of the results under different conditions.
constancy	This word is best used to describe unwavering loyalty or continuous commitment over time, often in relationships or personal attributes. His constancy in supporting his friends through difficult times was admirable. The constancy of her love reassured him in his toughest moments.

Examples of usage

The passivity of the material was essential for the experiment.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

general usage

Acceptance of what happens, without active response or resistance.

Synonyms

acquiescence, indifference, tolerance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
passivity	Used when describing a lack of resistance or action, often implying a certain level of acceptance or inaction in situations where one might otherwise be expected to engage or take a stance. His passivity in the face of injustice was disappointing The team lost the game due to their passivity during the critical moments
acquiescence	Best used when someone accepts or agrees to something passively or without protest, often implying a reluctant acceptance or submission. Her acquiescence to the new company policies was surprising given her previous objections The villagers' acquiescence to the mayor's decision stemmed from their fear of consequences
tolerance	Used to convey a fair, objective, and permissive attitude towards opinions, beliefs, and behaviors that differ from one's own, generally carrying a positive connotation. Her tolerance for different cultural traditions made her an excellent diplomat The community's tolerance of various lifestyles was commendable
indifference	Applicable when highlighting a lack of interest, concern, or sympathy, often used in a negative light to describe someone's unconcerned attitude toward something important. His indifference to the suffering of others was shocking The teacher's indifference towards the student's struggles was severely criticized

Examples of usage

The passivity of the employees led to the company's downfall.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

In psychology, passivity can be linked to feelings of helplessness, where individuals believe they cannot change their situation.
Some people might choose passivity as a coping mechanism to avoid stress or confrontations.
Passive behavior can sometimes lead to increased anxiety, as individuals may feel they are forcing themselves to stay quiet in uncomfortable situations.

Philosophy

Philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre emphasized the importance of responsibility and choice, often contrasting it with passivity.
In existential philosophy, passivity is seen as a failure to fully engage with life’s choices, leading to a less authentic existence.

Sociology

Cultural norms can influence levels of passivity, as some societies value conformity and acceptance over personal expression.
Social passivity can occur in group situations, where individuals may not speak up due to a perceived lack of authority or fear of rebuke.

Literature

In literature, characters demonstrating passivity often face significant consequences, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of inaction.
Works like Virginia Woolf's 'Mrs. Dalloway' explore themes of passivity through characters navigating societal expectations and personal desires.

Behavioral Economics

Research in behavioral economics shows that people often exhibit passivity in decision-making due to cognitive biases, leading them to avoid complex choices.
Passivity can affect financial decisions, where individuals may neglect to invest or save simply because it requires proactive engagement.

Translations

Translations of the word "passivity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 passividade

🇮🇳 निष्क्रियता

🇩🇪 Passivität

🇮🇩 pasivitas

🇺🇦 пасивність

🇵🇱 pasywność

🇯🇵 受動性

🇫🇷 passivité

🇪🇸 pasividad

🇹🇷 pasiflik

🇰🇷 수동성

🇸🇦 سلبية

🇨🇿 pasivita

🇸🇰 pasivita

🇨🇳 被动性

🇸🇮 pasivnost

🇮🇸 aðgerðaleysi

🇰🇿 пассивтілік

🇬🇪 პასიურობა

🇦🇿 passivlik

🇲🇽 pasividad

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,001, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16998 bargains
16999 leopard
17000 febrile
17001 passivity
17002 neoplastic
17003 banning
17004 resuming
...