An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Tending not to participate actively; not working or operating.

Etymology (EN): From L. passivus “submissive; capable of feeling or suffering,” from passus, p.p. of pati “to experience, undergo, suffer.”

Etymology (PE): Akâr “not working, not doing,” from → a- negation prefix + kâr “work,” varaint of kar, present stem of kardan “to do, to make” (Mid.Pers. kardan; O.Pers./Av. kar- “to do, make, build;” Av. kərənaoiti “he makes;” cf. Skt. kr- “to do, to make,” krnoti “he makes, he does,” karoti “he makes, he does,” karma “act, deed;” PIE base k^wer- “to do, to make”).