passive

Passive is an adjective describing something marked by inaction, dependence on external factors, or a lack of direct control. It is used in several domains, including grammar, finance, design, and behavior, to signify a state or mode that does not involve active initiation.

In grammar, the passive voice is a construction where the subject receives the action rather than performs it. It is formed with a form of the auxiliary verb be and a past participle, as in "The letter was written by Maria." It is often used to emphasize the action or to omit the actor when the agent is unknown, unimportant, or obvious from context, a tendency common in scientific and formal writing.

In finance, passive income refers to earnings generated with limited ongoing effort after the initial setup. Typical sources include investments, rental properties, and royalties. True passivity is rare; initial investment, ongoing management, and risk considerations are usually involved, and tax treatment varies by source.

In design and architecture, passive design or passive solar design uses natural forces to regulate indoor conditions without active systems. Techniques include optimizing building orientation, insulation, shading, daylighting, and materials with high thermal mass to store heat or coolth.

In electronics, passive components are devices that do not generate power, such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, and transformers. They influence electrical signals but cannot amplify them, unlike active components like transistors.

In behavior, passive-aggressive describes indirect expression of negative feelings or resistance rather than direct communication, often leading to miscommunication and conflict.

Overall, the term denotes a lack of active involvement, with context determining its precise meaning.