passivamente
When something happens passively, it means it's done without much effort or without actively participating. Think of it as letting things happen to you rather than making them happen.
For example, if you listen to a story passively, you are just hearing it without asking questions or adding your thoughts. It's the opposite of being active or taking charge.
passivamente in 30 Sekunden
- without acting
- without resisting
- letting things happen
§ Understanding 'passivamente'
The Portuguese adverb 'passivamente' translates directly to 'passively' in English. It describes an action performed without resistance, without taking initiative, or in a way that is subjected to external forces rather than internal will. Think of it as the opposite of being active or proactive. It's often used to describe how someone accepts a situation, reacts to events, or participates in an activity.
- DEFINITION
- Passively, in a passive manner.
§ Basic Sentence Structure
As an adverb, 'passivamente' typically modifies a verb, explaining how an action is done. It can be placed after the verb it modifies, or sometimes at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis.
Ele aceitou a decisão passivamente.
Hint: He accepted the decision passively.
A plateia ouviu passivamente o discurso.
Hint: The audience listened passively to the speech.
§ 'Passivamente' with different verbs
You'll often find 'passivamente' paired with verbs that describe states of acceptance, enduring, or observing without active participation. Here are a few common examples:
- Aceitar passivamente: To accept passively. This implies accepting something without argument or resistance.
- Observar passivamente: To observe passively. This means watching something unfold without intervening.
- Sofrer passivamente: To suffer passively. This suggests enduring hardship without fighting back.
- Participar passivamente: To participate passively. This means being present but not actively contributing.
Ela observou passivamente a discussão dos colegas.
Hint: She observed passively the colleagues' discussion.
Muitas pessoas tendem a aceitar as notícias passivamente.
Hint: Many people tend to accept the news passively.
§ No Prepositions Needed
Good news! 'Passivamente' is an adverb, so it doesn't typically require a preposition to connect it to the verb. It directly modifies the verb. You won't say 'com passivamente' or 'em passivamente.' Just use it as is.
§ Avoiding Common Mistakes
A common mistake for English speakers might be to confuse 'passivamente' with an adjective. It's not 'passivo' (passive - adjective). While they come from the same root, their grammatical function is different.
- Correct: Ele agiu passivamente. (He acted passively.)
- Incorrect: Ele agiu passivo. (This would mean 'He acted passive,' which is grammatically awkward and incorrect in this context.)
Always ensure you're using the adverbial form (-mente ending) when you want to describe the manner of an action.
O público reagiu passivamente às mudanças propostas.
Hint: The public reacted passively to the proposed changes.
Practice using 'passivamente' by trying to describe situations where someone isn't taking an active role. The more you use it, the more natural it will become!
Beispiele nach Niveau
Ele aceitou a decisão passivamente.
He accepted the decision passively.
Ela ouviu a notícia passivamente.
She heard the news passively.
O gato observava a bola passivamente.
The cat watched the ball passively.
Eles esperaram passivamente o ônibus.
They waited passively for the bus.
A criança brincava passivamente no chão.
The child played passively on the floor.
Eu escutei a música passivamente.
I listened to the music passively.
Nós vimos o filme passivamente.
We watched the movie passively.
Você observou a cena passivamente.
You observed the scene passively.
Grammatikmuster
Satzmuster
agir passivamente
Ele optou por agir passivamente durante a reunião. (He chose to act passively during the meeting.)
aceitar passivamente
Ela aceitou passivamente a decisão. (She passively accepted the decision.)
observar passivamente
Nós observamos passivamente os eventos se desenrolarem. (We passively observed the events unfold.)
suportar passivamente
Ele suportou passivamente as críticas. (He passively endured the criticism.)
participar passivamente
Embora presente, ele participou passivamente na discussão. (Although present, he participated passively in the discussion.)
reagir passivamente
Diante da situação, eles reagiram passivamente. (Faced with the situation, they reacted passively.)
ser afetado passivamente
A economia foi afetada passivamente pelas mudanças globais. (The economy was passively affected by global changes.)
responder passivamente
Sua resposta passivamente aceitou o resultado. (His response passively accepted the outcome.)
Tipps
Easy to recognize
The adverb 'passivamente' is an easy one to remember! It's a direct relative of the English word passively, sharing the same Latin root 'passivus'. This means it describes something done without active participation or resistance.
Grammar basics
'Passivamente' is an adverb, so it typically modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. It tells you how something is done. For instance, 'Ele aceitou a situação passivamente' (He accepted the situation passively).
Pronunciation practice
Say 'pa-ssi-va-men-te' out loud. Notice the emphasis on the 'va' syllable. The 'ss' makes a soft 's' sound, like in sugar, not a 'z' sound. Practice saying it a few times to get comfortable.
Similar words
Think of other English adverbs ending in '-ly' that translate to Portuguese adverbs ending in '-mente'. This pattern is very common! For example, 'rapidamente' (rapidly), 'lentamente' (slowly), 'silenciosamente' (silently).
Context is key
Consider the context when you use 'passivamente'. It often implies a lack of initiative or a quiet acceptance. For example, 'Ela ouvia passivamente a conversa' (She listened passively to the conversation), implying she wasn't contributing.
Not always negative
While 'passivamente' can sometimes have a negative connotation (e.g., someone being too submissive), it's not always the case. It can simply describe a state of inaction without judgment. For example, 'O sistema funciona passivamente' (The system functions passively).
Build sentences
Try to create your own sentences using 'passivamente'. Start with simple ones like 'Eu espero passivamente' (I wait passively) and then make them more complex. This helps solidify your understanding.
Brazilian vs. European Portuguese
The meaning and usage of 'passivamente' are generally the same in both Brazilian and European Portuguese. You won't find significant differences here, so you can use it confidently in either context. The pronunciation might vary slightly, but the word itself is universal.
Formal vs. informal
'Passivamente' is a fairly neutral adverb in terms of formality. It can be used in both formal and informal settings. You wouldn't typically use a different word to express passivity based on the level of formality.
Review regularly
Like any new vocabulary, regular review is essential. Add 'passivamente' to your flashcards or practice drills. The more you encounter and use it, the more naturally it will come to you. Don't let it become passive in your memory!
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenA good way to remember 'passivamente' is to think of the English word 'passive'. They sound very similar and have the same meaning. You can also try to associate it with an image, like someone sitting still and not reacting to anything.
Yes, 'passivamente' can be used in various contexts. For example, you can use it to describe someone who is listening passively, or an action that is performed passively, like assistir passivamente (to watch passively).
'Passivamente' specifically refers to doing something in a passive way, meaning without active participation or resistance. Other adverbs of manner describe different ways of doing things, like rapidamente (quickly) or lentamente (slowly).
While not a fixed idiom, you'll often hear it used with verbs like aceitar passivamente (to passively accept), ouvir passivamente (to passively listen), or suportar passivamente (to passively endure).
The pronunciation is pah-see-vah-men-chee. Pay attention to the 'ss' sound, which is like the 's' in 'see', and the 'va' which is like 'vah' in 'father'. The '-mente' ending is common for adverbs.
No, 'passivamente' is an adverb. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. To describe something as passive (an adjective), you would use passivo (masculine) or passiva (feminine).
The opposite of 'passivamente' would be something like ativamente (actively) or energicamente (energetically), depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
'Passivamente' is a neutral word in terms of formality. You can use it in both formal and informal conversations without sounding out of place.
No significant regional variations exist for 'passivamente'. It's understood and used consistently across different Portuguese-speaking regions, including Portugal and Brazil.
'Passivamente' is not an extremely common word, but it's used regularly enough in situations where you need to describe someone acting without resistance or initiative. You'll encounter it in news, literature, and general conversation.
Teste dich selbst 42 Fragen
Ele esperou ___ pelo ônibus.
The sentence describes waiting in a quiet, non-active way, which 'passivamente' (passively) conveys.
Ela ouviu a música ___, sem dançar.
Listening without dancing suggests a passive action, making 'passivamente' the best fit.
As pessoas assistiram ao filme ___ na sala de cinema.
Watching a film in a cinema is typically a passive activity, so 'passivamente' is correct.
Eu não quero participar, vou apenas observar ___.
To observe without participating means to do it 'passivamente' (passively).
Ele aceitou a situação ___.
Accepting a situation without resistance is a passive act, fitting 'passivamente'.
O gato deitou-se na cama e ficou ___.
A cat lying down and being still implies a passive state, thus 'passivamente' is appropriate.
She listens to music.
I drink water.
We eat bread.
Read this aloud:
Eu falo português.
Focus: português
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
Ele gosta de café.
Focus: café
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
Você é meu amigo.
Focus: amigo
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Write a sentence describing someone waiting without doing anything, using 'passivamente'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ele sentou-se passivamente, esperando que algo acontecesse.
Describe a situation where a group of people reacted 'passively' to a problem.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
A equipe reagiu passivamente ao problema, sem propor soluções.
Translate the following sentence into Portuguese: 'She listened passively to the news.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ela escutou passivamente as notícias.
Como a multidão estava assistindo ao evento?
Read this passage:
A multidão observava o evento. Ninguém aplaudia, ninguém gritava. Eles apenas assistiam passivamente, sem expressar muita emoção. Era como se estivessem apenas presentes.
Como a multidão estava assistindo ao evento?
O texto indica que eles 'apenas assistiam passivamente, sem expressar muita emoção'.
O texto indica que eles 'apenas assistiam passivamente, sem expressar muita emoção'.
O que a pessoa fez ao aceitar a decisão?
Read this passage:
Ele aceitou a decisão passivamente, embora não estivesse feliz. Não reclamou nem tentou mudar a situação. Simplesmente seguiu em frente sem resistência.
O que a pessoa fez ao aceitar a decisão?
O texto diz que ele 'aceitou a decisão passivamente' e 'não reclamou nem tentou mudar a situação'.
O texto diz que ele 'aceitou a decisão passivamente' e 'não reclamou nem tentou mudar a situação'.
De acordo com o texto, o que a falta de ação das pessoas permitiu?
Read this passage:
Mesmo quando a injustiça era clara, muitas pessoas optaram por ficar caladas. Elas observaram a situação desenrolar-se passivamente, sem intervir ou expressar suas opiniões. Essa falta de ação permitiu que o problema continuasse.
De acordo com o texto, o que a falta de ação das pessoas permitiu?
O texto afirma que 'Essa falta de ação permitiu que o problema continuasse'.
O texto afirma que 'Essa falta de ação permitiu que o problema continuasse'.
Ele aceitou a situação __________.
The sentence implies a lack of action or resistance, so 'passivamente' (passively) is the best fit.
Ela ouvia a conversa __________ sem intervir.
To listen without intervening suggests a passive role, making 'passivamente' the correct choice.
A decisão foi tomada __________ pela maioria.
If a decision is taken 'passively' by the majority, it implies they didn't actively participate in shaping it.
Muitas pessoas observam as mudanças climáticas __________ sem agir.
Observing without acting indicates a passive stance, so 'passivamente' is appropriate.
Ele esperou __________ que a porta se abrisse.
To wait 'passively' implies waiting without attempting to open the door oneself.
A criança aceitou o brinquedo __________ sem expressar muita emoção.
Accepting something without expressing much emotion suggests a passive reception.
He heard the news passively, without showing any emotion.
The team passively accepted the manager's decision, even though they didn't agree.
She passively observed the sunset, absorbing the beauty of the moment.
Read this aloud:
Você acha que é bom aceitar as coisas passivamente?
Focus: passivamente
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
Como você reage quando as pessoas agem passivamente?
Focus: passivamente
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
Descreva uma situação em que você agiu passivamente.
Focus: passivamente
Du hast gesagt:
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A decisão foi aceita ___ pela população, sem grandes protestos.
The context implies acceptance without active resistance, which 'passivamente' conveys.
Ele observou a cena ___ , sem intervir, apesar da injustiça evidente.
Observing without intervening aligns with the meaning of 'passivamente'.
O sistema imunológico reagiu ___ ao vírus, não produzindo a resposta esperada.
A lack of expected response from the immune system indicates a 'passive' reaction.
Ela sempre seguiu as instruções ___ , sem questionar a autoridade.
Following instructions without questioning implies a passive approach.
Após a derrota, a equipe aceitou o resultado ___ , sem tentar reverter a situação.
Accepting a result without trying to change it indicates a passive stance. 'Resignadamente' is also possible, but 'passivamente' fits the direct definition.
A tecnologia, por si só, não muda o mundo; ela é utilizada ___ pelos indivíduos.
The sentence implies that technology is acted upon, rather than acting itself, suggesting it is used 'passivamente'.
The sentence emphasizes the importance of not passively accepting decisions made by others. The adverb 'passivamente' modifies the verb 'aceitar'.
This sentence describes someone choosing to observe a situation without active involvement. 'Passivamente' describes how 'observar' was done.
This sentence illustrates a child following instructions without questioning or active participation. 'Passivamente' describes the manner of following.
/ 42 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use 'passivamente' to describe when someone acts or reacts without taking an active role or showing resistance.
- without acting
- without resisting
- letting things happen
Easy to recognize
The adverb 'passivamente' is an easy one to remember! It's a direct relative of the English word passively, sharing the same Latin root 'passivus'. This means it describes something done without active participation or resistance.
Grammar basics
'Passivamente' is an adverb, so it typically modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. It tells you how something is done. For instance, 'Ele aceitou a situação passivamente' (He accepted the situation passively).
Pronunciation practice
Say 'pa-ssi-va-men-te' out loud. Notice the emphasis on the 'va' syllable. The 'ss' makes a soft 's' sound, like in sugar, not a 'z' sound. Practice saying it a few times to get comfortable.
Similar words
Think of other English adverbs ending in '-ly' that translate to Portuguese adverbs ending in '-mente'. This pattern is very common! For example, 'rapidamente' (rapidly), 'lentamente' (slowly), 'silenciosamente' (silently).
Beispiel
Ele apenas observou passivamente a situação se desenrolar.
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr work Wörter
a curto prazo
A2Over a short period of time; short-term.
à exceção de
B1With the exception of; apart from.
a longo prazo
A2Over a long period of time; long-term.
a não ser que
A2Unless; except if; only if not.
a partir de
A2Starting from; from a certain point in time or place.
a prazo
A2For a period of time; on credit or payment terms.
a tempo inteiro
B1Full-time; working the full number of hours considered normal for a job.
a tempo parcial
B1Part-time; working less than full-time hours.
abdicar
A2To give up, to abdicate; to renounce or relinquish a throne, right, power, or claim.
acessível
B1Available, accessible; easy to approach or use.
