inˈactively, adv.
[f. prec. + -ly2.]
In an inactive manner; inertly, sluggishly.
| 1730–6 in Bailey (folio). 1755 in Johnson. [J. quotes Locke (Educ. §125), ‘whether he inactively loiters it away’, but in all edd. examined the word is ‘unactively’.] 1837 Hallam Hist. Lit. iii. ii. §6 This pope was not inactively occupied in the great cause of subduing the Protestant heresy. 1876 Bancroft Hist. U.S. xliii. V. 22 The Continental Congress..waited inactively for his appeals. |