Passive vs. Submissive
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 21, 2023
"Passive" implies lack of reaction or resistance, while "Submissive" denotes willingly yielding to others, often implying obedience.
Key Differences
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
"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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Comparison Chart
Nature
Refers to lack of reaction or resistance
Denotes willingly yielding or obedience
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
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Engagement
May imply inactivity or acceptance
Implies a level of active yielding or compliance
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Relationship Dynamics
Can be unrelated to relationship dynamics
More explicitly related to relationships and power dynamics
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Willingness
Doesn’t necessarily imply willingness or agreement
Often implies a willingness to obey or defer
Harlon Moss
Sep 21, 2023
Contextual Application
Can be applied to various contexts, not only interpersonal
More often applied to interpersonal relationships and dynamics
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Passive and Submissive Definitions
Passive
Receiving or enduring without resistance.
He remained Passive during the heated debate.
Samantha Walker
Sep 21, 2023
Submissive
Inclined or willing to submit to orders or wishes of others.
He was Submissive, accepting the tasks without protest.
Harlon Moss
Sep 21, 2023
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Submissive
Showing a willingness to be compliant or accommodating.
The team was Submissive to the new policies.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Passive
Lacking in energy or will.
His Passive demeanor made him seem indifferent.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 21, 2023
Submissive
Ready to conform to the authority or will of others.
Her Submissive nature was evident in her demeanor.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 21, 2023
Passive
Inactive; acted upon but not acting.
The legislation affected many Passive recipients.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Submissive
Yielding or surrendering oneself to the will of another.
He was Submissive to his mentor’s instructions.
Samantha Walker
Sep 21, 2023
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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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 19, 2023
Submissive
Meekly obedient or passive.
The dog was Submissive, following every command.
Harlon Moss
Sep 21, 2023
Passive
Accepting or submitting without objection or resistance; submissive
A passive acceptance of one's fate.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 19, 2023
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).
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 19, 2023
Passive
Of, relating to, or being certain bonds or shares that do not bear financial interest.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 19, 2023
Passive
Of, relating to, or being a solar heating or cooling system that uses no external mechanical power.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 19, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 19, 2023
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.
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Feb 19, 2023
Passive
(Chemistry) Unreactive except under special or extreme conditions; inert.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 19, 2023
Submissive
Showing a readiness to submit; expressing submission; as, a submissive demeanor.
With a submissive step I hasted down.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 19, 2023
Passive
(Electronics) Exhibiting no gain or contributing no energy
A passive circuit element.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 19, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 19, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 19, 2023
Passive
(psychology) Being inactive and submissive in a relationship, especially in a sexual one.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 19, 2023
Passive
(aviation) Without motive power.
A passive balloon; a passive aeroplane; passive flight, such as gliding and soaring
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Feb 19, 2023
Passive
(electronics) Of a component: that consumes but does not produce energy, or is incapable of power gain.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 19, 2023
Passive
(marketing) A customer who is satisfied with a product or service, but not keen enough to promote it by word of mouth.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 19, 2023
Passive
(electronics) Any component that consumes but does not produce energy, or is incapable of power gain.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 19, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 19, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 19, 2023
Passive
Inactive; inert; unreactive; not showing strong affinity; as, red phosphorus is comparatively passive.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 19, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 19, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 19, 2023
Passive
Lacking in energy or will;
Much benevolence of the passive order may be traced to a disinclination to inflict pain upon oneself
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 19, 2023
Passive
Expressing thatthe subject of the sentence is the patient of the action denoted by the verb;
Academics seem to favor passive sentences
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 19, 2023
Passive
Accepting or allowing what happens without active response or resistance.
He was Passive, letting events unfold as they may.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
FAQs
Does being Submissive always mean lacking in self-assertiveness?
Generally, yes, Submissive individuals typically don’t assert their own will against others.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Can Submissive be used in non-interpersonal contexts?
It’s most commonly used in interpersonal contexts but can be used metaphorically elsewhere.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 21, 2023
Are Passive and Submissive synonymous?
No, Passive implies inaction or lack of resistance; Submissive implies willingly yielding or obeying.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Can someone be Passive without being Submissive?
Yes, one can be indifferent and not resist without yielding or obeying another’s will.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Does being Submissive imply weakness?
Not necessarily; it might be a conscious choice based on context and relationships.
Samantha Walker
Sep 21, 2023
Is being Submissive considered a negative trait?
It can be viewed negatively or positively, depending on cultural, contextual, and individual perspectives.
Harlon Moss
Sep 21, 2023
Can being Passive be a form of resistance?
Ironically, yes. Passive resistance is a nonviolent opposition or non-cooperation.
Samantha Walker
Sep 21, 2023
Is Passive a synonym for inaction?
Yes, Passive often implies a lack of action or response.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Can a Submissive person be assertive in some situations?
Yes, being Submissive in some situations doesn’t preclude assertiveness in others.
Samantha Walker
Sep 21, 2023
Does being Passive imply agreement or acceptance?
Not always; sometimes, it might be due to indifference or inability to act.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 21, 2023
Is being Submissive related to respect and acknowledgment of authority?
Often, yes, it might imply a recognition of and respect for authority or dominance.
Janet White
Sep 21, 2023
Can being Passive be a strategic approach?
Yes, sometimes being Passive can be strategic, especially in conflict-avoidance situations.
Harlon Moss
Sep 21, 2023
Is being Passive a choice?
It can be, but sometimes it might result from indifference or inability to respond.
Janet White
Sep 21, 2023
Is there a positive aspect to being Passive?
Yes, it can help in avoiding unnecessary conflicts and maintaining peace in certain situations.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 21, 2023
Can Submissiveness be empowering in any context?
Potentially, when it’s a conscious choice, it can lead to harmonious relationships and personal growth.
Janet White
Sep 21, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
