One of the mysteries of the English language finally explained.
Synonyms of passive in English:
passive
See definition of passive
adjective
1‘he played only a passive role in the proceedings’
inactive, non-active, non-participative, non-participating, uninvolved, dormant, quiescent, inert
2‘the women were portrayed as passive victims’
submissive, acquiescent, unresisting, yielding, unassertive, non-resistant, compliant, complaisant, pliant, resigned, obedient, docile, tractable, malleable, pliable, meek, subdued, deferential, forbearing, long-suffering, patient, lamblike, non-violent, supine
non-aggressive
archaic resistless
active, assertive
3‘the woman's face was passive’
emotionless, impassive, indifferent, unemotional, unmoved, unconcerned, dispassionate, passionless, detached, unresponsive, undemonstrative, remote, aloof, calm, apathetic, phlegmatic, lifeless