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.
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.