supine

[ adjective soo-pahyn; noun soo-pahyn ]

adjective

1. lying on the back, face or front upward.
2. inactive, passive, or inert, especially from indolence or indifference.
3. (of the hand) having the palm upward.

noun

1. (in Latin) a noun form derived from verbs, appearing only in the accusative and the dative-ablative, as dictū in mirābile dictū, “wonderful to say.”
2. (in English) the simple infinitive of a verb preceded by to.
3. an analogous form in some other language.

supine

adjective

1. lying or resting on the back with the face, palm, etc, upwards
2. displaying no interest or animation; lethargic

noun

1. grammar a noun form derived from a verb in Latin, often used to express purpose with verbs of motion sup

Derived Forms

• suˈpinely, adverb
• suˈpineness, noun

Other Words From

• su·pinely adverb
• su·pineness noun
• unsu·pine adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of supine¹

First recorded in 1490–1500, supine is from the Latin word supīnus lying face up, inactive

Word History and Origins

Origin of supine¹

C15: from Latin supīnus related to sub under, up; (in grammatical sense) from Latin verbum supīnum supine word (the reason for this use is unknown)

Example Sentences

The Tesla board, which had changed somewhat since 2018 but was still supine toward Musk, also asked shareholders in effect to overturn McCormick’s ruling by voting on the pay package again.

From Los Angeles Times

But that only underscores the supine irresponsibility with which Democrats have bought into the right wing’s attack on the organization and its crucial work.

From Los Angeles Times

The supine political leaders of Nevada should be ashamed at sticking their constituents with a billionaire’s invoice.

From Los Angeles Times

Throughout, the men have been mounting supine women, but in the final image the women are on top.

From New York Times

Walker emphasized the position of her body when authorities found it, supine below the staircase with her right foot splayed on a lower stair.

From Los Angeles Times