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Dormant - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Dormant describes something temporarily inactive or in a state of rest, often with the potential to become active again. It is commonly used for plants, animals, or volcanoes.

dormant

/ˈdɔːrmənt/ /ˈdɔːmənt/

Definition:

Inactive or asleep, temporarily not growing or showing signs of activity.

Synonyms:

inactive, latent, quiescent, sleeping

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

active, awake

Common Collocations:

dormant volcano, dormant account, dormant season, dormant state

Derivatives:

dormancy, dormantly

Usage Tips:

Use "dormant" to describe something temporarily inactive but capable of becoming active again.

Common Phrases:

lie dormant, dormant period, awaken from dormancy

Etymology:

From Latin "dormire" meaning "to sleep," via Old French "dormant."

Examples:

  • 1. The seeds remain dormant until spring arrives.
  • 2. The volcano has been dormant for centuries but could erupt again.
  • 3. Her artistic talent lay dormant for years before she rediscovered it.
  • 4. Bears enter a dormant state during winter hibernation.
  • 5. The company reactivated its dormant project after securing new funding.

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