Category: General
What is the difference between active and passive vocabulary?
Concise Direct Answer
Active vocabulary consists of words you understand and can use correctly in your own speech and writing. Passive vocabulary consists of words you recognize when you hear or read them, but cannot recall or use accurately in your own communication.
Detailed Explanation & Context
Active vocabulary includes words you can confidently recall and use in speaking or writing. Passive vocabulary includes words you understand when reading or listening but do not actively produce.