Passive vs. Submissive: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 21, 2023
"Passive" implies lack of reaction or resistance, while "Submissive" denotes willingly yielding to others, often implying obedience.
Key Differences
"Passive" and "Submissive" are adjectives with distinct nuances, where "Passive" refers to the absence of active response or resistance, often implying inactivity or acceptance. In contrast, "Submissive" implies a willingness or inclination to submit, often showcasing obedience or deference to authority.
A "Passive" individual may not necessarily agree with or accept a situation but refrains from expressing opposition or engaging actively. "Submissive" individuals, on the other hand, may willingly adhere to another’s command, authority, or will, often demonstrating acceptance or agreement.
It is crucial to understand that being "Passive" doesn’t automatically mean one is "Submissive." A person might be "Passive" due to indifference, whereas a "Submissive" individual generally acknowledges the dominance or control of another and complies willingly.
The idea of being "Passive" can be related to various scenarios, like receiving actions rather than initiating them. "Submissive," however, is more explicitly connected to relationships and dynamics, focusing on the act of yielding or surrendering one’s will or preferences.
Both "Passive" and "Submissive" entail different levels of engagement and reaction in varying situations. While "Passive" individuals might not engage or respond, "Submissive" ones tend to actively yield, showcasing a level of compliance and acceptance.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Refers to lack of reaction or resistance
Denotes willingly yielding or obedience
Engagement
May imply inactivity or acceptance
Implies a level of active yielding or compliance
Relationship Dynamics
Can be unrelated to relationship dynamics
More explicitly related to relationships and power dynamics
Willingness
Doesn’t necessarily imply willingness or agreement
Often implies a willingness to obey or defer
Contextual Application
Can be applied to various contexts, not only interpersonal
More often applied to interpersonal relationships and dynamics
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Passive and Submissive Definitions
Passive
Receiving or enduring without resistance.
He remained Passive during the heated debate.
Submissive
Inclined or willing to submit to orders or wishes of others.
He was Submissive, accepting the tasks without protest.
Passive
Not participating actively.
She was Passive in group discussions.
Submissive
Showing a willingness to be compliant or accommodating.
The team was Submissive to the new policies.
Passive
Lacking in energy or will.
His Passive demeanor made him seem indifferent.
Submissive
Ready to conform to the authority or will of others.
Her Submissive nature was evident in her demeanor.
Passive
Inactive; acted upon but not acting.
The legislation affected many Passive recipients.
Submissive
Yielding or surrendering oneself to the will of another.
He was Submissive to his mentor’s instructions.
Passive
Receiving or subjected to an action without responding or initiating an action in return
The mind viewed as a passive receptacle for sensory experience.
Submissive
Meekly obedient or passive.
The dog was Submissive, following every command.
Passive
Accepting or submitting without objection or resistance; submissive
A passive acceptance of one's fate.
Submissive
Inclined or willing to submit.
Passive
Existing, conducted, or experienced without active or concerted effort
“Although tick paralysis is a reportable disease in Washington, surveillance is passive, and only 10 cases were reported during 1987–1995” (US Department of Health and Human Services). “[Many parents believe] that computers are educational and, at the least, less passive than television” (Laurie Hays).
Submissive
Obedient or passive.
Passive
Of, relating to, or being certain bonds or shares that do not bear financial interest.
Submissive
(BDSM) One who submits to a dominant partner in BDSM practices.
Passive
Of, relating to, or being a solar heating or cooling system that uses no external mechanical power.
Submissive
(rare) One who submits.
Passive
(Grammar) Of, relating to, or being a verb form or voice used to indicate that the grammatical subject is the object of the action or the effect of the verb. For example, in the sentence They were impressed by his manner, were impressed is in the passive voice.
Submissive
Inclined or ready to submit; acknowledging one's inferiority; yielding; obedient; humble.
Not at his feet submissive in distress,Creature so fair his reconcilement seeking.
Passive
(Chemistry) Unreactive except under special or extreme conditions; inert.
Submissive
Showing a readiness to submit; expressing submission; as, a submissive demeanor.
With a submissive step I hasted down.
Passive
(Electronics) Exhibiting no gain or contributing no energy
A passive circuit element.
Submissive
Inclined or willing to submit to orders or wishes of others or showing such inclination;
Submissive servants
A submissive reply
Replacing troublemakers with more submissive people
Passive
The passive voice.
Submissive
Willing to submit without resistance to authority; deferent
Passive
A verb or construction in the passive voice.
Submissive
Abjectly submissive; characteristic of a slave or servant;
Slavish devotion to her job ruled her life
A slavish yes-man to the party bosses
She has become submissive and subservient
Passive
Being subjected to an action without producing a reaction.
Passive
Taking no action.
He remained passive during the protest.
Passive
(grammar) Being in the passive voice.
Passive
(psychology) Being inactive and submissive in a relationship, especially in a sexual one.
Passive
(finance) Not participating in management.
Passive
(aviation) Without motive power.
A passive balloon; a passive aeroplane; passive flight, such as gliding and soaring
Passive
(electronics) Of a component: that consumes but does not produce energy, or is incapable of power gain.
Passive
Where allowance is made for a possible future event.
Passive
(grammar) The passive voice of verbs.
Passive
(grammar) A form of a verb that is in the passive voice.
Passive
(marketing) A customer who is satisfied with a product or service, but not keen enough to promote it by word of mouth.
Passive
(electronics) Any component that consumes but does not produce energy, or is incapable of power gain.
Passive
Not active, but acted upon; suffering or receiving impressions or influences; as, they were passive spectators, not actors in the scene.
The passive airUpbore their nimble tread.
The mind is wholly passive in the reception of all its simple ideas.
Passive
Receiving or enduring without either active sympathy or active resistance; without emotion or excitement; patient; not opposing; unresisting; as, passive obedience; passive submission.
The best virtue, passive fortitude.
Passive
Inactive; inert; unreactive; not showing strong affinity; as, red phosphorus is comparatively passive.
Passive
Designating certain morbid conditions, as hemorrhage or dropsy, characterized by relaxation of the vessels and tissues, with deficient vitality and lack of reaction in the affected tissues.
Passive
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;
`The ball was thrown by the boy' uses the passive voice
`The ball was thrown' is an abbreviated passive
Passive
Lacking in energy or will;
Much benevolence of the passive order may be traced to a disinclination to inflict pain upon oneself
Passive
Peacefully resistant in response to injustice;
Passive resistance
Passive
Expressing thatthe subject of the sentence is the patient of the action denoted by the verb;
Academics seem to favor passive sentences
Passive
Accepting or allowing what happens without active response or resistance.
He was Passive, letting events unfold as they may.
FAQs
Does being Submissive always mean lacking in self-assertiveness?
Generally, yes, Submissive individuals typically don’t assert their own will against others.
Can Submissive be used in non-interpersonal contexts?
It’s most commonly used in interpersonal contexts but can be used metaphorically elsewhere.
Are Passive and Submissive synonymous?
No, Passive implies inaction or lack of resistance; Submissive implies willingly yielding or obeying.
Can someone be Passive without being Submissive?
Yes, one can be indifferent and not resist without yielding or obeying another’s will.
Does being Submissive imply weakness?
Not necessarily; it might be a conscious choice based on context and relationships.
Is being Submissive considered a negative trait?
It can be viewed negatively or positively, depending on cultural, contextual, and individual perspectives.
Can being Passive be a form of resistance?
Ironically, yes. Passive resistance is a nonviolent opposition or non-cooperation.
Is Passive a synonym for inaction?
Yes, Passive often implies a lack of action or response.
Can a Submissive person be assertive in some situations?
Yes, being Submissive in some situations doesn’t preclude assertiveness in others.
Does being Passive imply agreement or acceptance?
Not always; sometimes, it might be due to indifference or inability to act.
Is being Submissive related to respect and acknowledgment of authority?
Often, yes, it might imply a recognition of and respect for authority or dominance.
Can being Passive be a strategic approach?
Yes, sometimes being Passive can be strategic, especially in conflict-avoidance situations.
Is being Passive a choice?
It can be, but sometimes it might result from indifference or inability to respond.
Is there a positive aspect to being Passive?
Yes, it can help in avoiding unnecessary conflicts and maintaining peace in certain situations.
Can Submissiveness be empowering in any context?
Potentially, when it’s a conscious choice, it can lead to harmonious relationships and personal growth.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
