1 definition by Wordy Smith
When someone should be listening to what you are saying but they are mentally too busy thinking of what they want to say or are interrupting you to get their point across or jump ahead of you telling the story because they can't wait for you to finish. This causes them to ask a question about the thing you are talking about before you are able to get it out or ask about something you said but they missed because they aren't really listening. As opposed to an active listener who is genuinely interested in hearing what you are trying to tell them regarding an incident or a story or information.
You: So I told her don't be all up in my business because. ..
Them: So she left or stayed or what?
You: I'm trying to tell you what happened. Don't be such a passive listener.
Them: So she left or stayed or what?
You: I'm trying to tell you what happened. Don't be such a passive listener.
by Wordy Smith March 21, 2015