dormant
🇬🇧 /ˈdɔːmənt/
🇺🇸 /ˈdɔrmənt/
📖 Definitions
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adjective
In a state of rest or inactivity; temporarily not growing, developing, or functioning.; In biology, referring to an organism or part that is alive but not actively growing or metabolizing.; Not currently in use or operation; suspended or inactive.; In law, referring to a right, claim, or title that is not currently being asserted or exercised but has not been abandoned.; In heraldry, describing an animal depicted in a sleeping position with its head resting on its forepaws.
🔗 Details
Word forms
Collocations
dormant volcanodormant accountlie dormantremain dormantdormant statedormant period
Derivatives
dormancydormantly
Synonyms
inactivelatentquiescentsleepinginertsuspended
Antonyms
activeawakeoperative
Commonly confused
latent
EN: 'Latent' implies something hidden that may emerge or develop; 'dormant' implies something currently inactive but with the potential to become active again.
dormitory
EN: 'Dormitory' is a sleeping quarters (noun); 'dormant' is an adjective meaning inactive, though both share the Latin root 'dormire' (to sleep).
Spelling tips
EN: Remember the silent 't' at the end: 'dormant', not 'dorman'. The word comes from Latin 'dormire' (to sleep), which helps remember the spelling.
💬 Examples
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The volcano had been dormant for over a century before it erupted.
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Seeds can remain dormant in the soil for years before conditions trigger germination.
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The dormant bank account was eventually closed after years of no activity.
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The dormant patent rights were revived when the technology became commercially viable.
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The family crest featured a lion dormant, symbolizing peaceful strength.