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be passive
[/bi ˈpæsɪv/]
verb phrase
ser passivo
1.
to adopt a non-active role; to remain inactive or uninvolved in a situation
Don't be passive about your career; take initiative.
Não seja passivo em relação à sua carreira; tome iniciativa.
2.
to demonstrate a lack of resistance or assertiveness
She tends to be passive when conflicts arise.
Ela tende a ser passiva quando surgem conflitos.
3.
in grammar, to use the passive voice
The sentence 'The book was read by John' uses the passive voice.
A frase 'O livro foi lido por João' usa a voz passiva.
Synonyms
be inactive
be unassertive
be submissive
remain idle
Antonyms
be active
be assertive
be aggressive
take action
Regional Variations
General Brazilian
ser passivo
Standard usage across Brazil
Portugal
ser passivo
Standard usage in Portugal
Related Idioms & Phrases
take a back seat
sit on the sidelines
remain on the fence
go with the flow passively
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