All 6 Uses of
passive
in
Jane Eyre
- Yes, in a passive way: I make no effort; I follow as inclination guides me.†
p. 68.7 *
- My help had been needed and claimed; I had given it: I was pleased to have done something; trivial, transitory though the deed was, it was yet an active thing, and I was weary of an existence all passive.†
p. 136.7
- It was evident that in their former intercourse, the passive disposition of the one had been habitually influenced by the active energy of the other: whence then had arisen Mr. Rochester's dismay when he heard of Mr. Mason's arrival?†
p. 244.4
- I was glad to accept her hospitality; and I submitted to be relieved of my travelling garb just as passively as I used to let her undress me when a child.†
p. 261.9passively = in an inactive manner (accepting what happens without trying to take control or reacting strongly)
- You sit quietly where I have placed you, and regard me with a weary, passive look.†
p. 344.7
- Because I know, or believe, Mr. Rochester is living: and then, to die of want and cold is a fate to which nature cannot submit passively.†
p. 379.7passively = in an inactive manner (accepting what happens without trying to take control or reacting strongly)
Definitions:
-
(1)
(passive) accepting what happens without trying to take control or reacting strongly
-
(2)
(meaning too rare to warrant focus) meaning too rare to warrant focus:
More specialized and less common senses of the word are found in grammar, chemistry, physics, electronics, and communications. Consult a comprehensive dictionary if you wish to see those. All senses have to do with inactivity.