Learn English – Passive skill VS. Active skill

word-usage

In a computer game, why do they call a skill which is always on as "passive skill", whereas a skill which needs user's operations as "active skill"?

It feels like, to me, it's upside down. You call the living volcano as 'active volcano' not 'passive volcano', right?

Best Answer

Active skills are active because you have to act to use them, for example by clicking a mouse button. Passive skills don't require any user actions, they are characteristics or traits that may modify active skills.

Similarly a volcano which is acting (by steaming, smoking or erupting) is an active volcano. A volcano that is quiet is called a "dormant volcano", and if it will never become active again, it is an "extinct volcano".

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