Which term describes words you understand when you read or hear them but…
2026
Which term describes words you understand when you read or hear them but rarely use yourself?
Answer: C. Passive vocabulary — ConceptVocabulary knowledge can be divided by use: receptive knowledge covers recognition during reading or listening, whereas productive knowledge covers…
- A.
Technical vocabulary
- B.
Active vocabulary
- C.
Passive vocabulary
- D.
Core vocabulary
Attempted by 48 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Concept
Vocabulary knowledge can be divided by use: receptive knowledge covers recognition during reading or listening, whereas productive knowledge covers words used in speech or writing.
The term for recognized but not readily produced words is passive or receptive vocabulary; active vocabulary refers to words a person can readily produce.
Application
The stem describes recognition through reading or hearing together with rare self-use. This pattern is receptive rather than productive, so the matching term is passive vocabulary.
Contrast
Technical vocabulary names specialized terms associated with a field or profession.
Active vocabulary names words a person readily uses in speaking or writing.
Core vocabulary names high-frequency words useful across everyday communication.
Cross-check
Restating the clue as “recognized but seldom produced” maps it to receptive knowledge, whose standard label is passive vocabulary.
Therefore, the term is passive vocabulary.