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Germinate - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Germinate means to begin to grow or develop, especially when a seed sprouts into a plant. It can also describe the start of an idea or process.

germinate

/ˈdʒɝːməneɪt/ /ˈdʒɜːmɪneɪt/

Definition:

To begin to grow or develop, especially from a seed or spore.

Synonyms:

sprout, bud, develop, grow

Part of Speech:

verb

Antonyms:

wither, die

Common Collocations:

seeds germinate, conditions germinate, ideas germinate

Derivatives:

germination, germinative

Usage Tips:

Use "germinate" for seeds or ideas starting to grow; often paired with "seeds" or "thoughts."

Common Phrases:

germinate an idea, seeds begin to germinate

Etymology:

From Latin *germinare*, meaning "to sprout," from *germen*, "sprout or bud."

Examples:

  • 1. The seeds will germinate in warm soil.
  • 2. Plants need water and sunlight to germinate properly.
  • 3. Her idea began to germinate after the meeting.
  • 4. Some seeds take weeks to germinate in cold weather.

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