Supine means lying flat on your back with your face pointing upward. When you're supine, you're in the opposite position from lying on your stomach. If you've ever done snow angels or looked up at clouds while lying in the grass, you were supine.

Doctors and nurses use this word to describe how a patient is positioned. They might ask someone to lie supine on an examination table so they can check their breathing or examine their abdomen. Physical therapists might have you do supine exercises, like leg raises while lying on your back.

The word can also describe someone who's passive or inactive when they should be taking action. If a student council sits back and accepts unfair rules without objecting, someone might criticize them for being supine in the face of injustice. This meaning suggests failing to stand up for something important.

The physical meaning is more common and straightforward. Just remember: supine is on your back, looking up at the ceiling or sky.