Basic Details
Word: Dormant
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Temporarily inactive or not in use, but having the potential to become active later.
Synonyms: Inactive, latent, sleeping, idle
Antonyms: Active, alert, lively, awake
Idioms and Phrases
- Lying dormant: Not currently active, but capable of becoming so. Example: "His musical talent lay dormant for years until he joined a band."
- Dormant stage: A period of inactivity in development or growth. Example: "Many insects go through a dormant stage during winter."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The volcano has been dormant for over a century but is still closely monitored.
Example 2: Her creativity was dormant until she took an art class.
Example 3: The seeds remained dormant until the spring rains arrived.
Fun Fact
The word "dormant" comes from the Latin word *dormire*, meaning "to sleep." It was originally used in English to describe sleeping animals and later took on its metaphorical sense of inactivity.
Famous Quote
"Inside us, there is something that has no name, that something is what we are." - Jos Saramago, referring to the often dormant strength and potential within us.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "dormant" mean?
a) Very fast
b) Temporarily inactive
c) Completely broken
d) Always alert
Answer: b) Temporarily inactive
2. Which of these is a synonym of "dormant"?
a) Active
b) Awake
c) Latent
d) Energetic
Answer: c) Latent
3. Which is an antonym of "dormant"?
a) Sleeping
b) Idle
c) Inactive
d) Alert
Answer: d) Alert
4. Which sentence uses "dormant" correctly?
a) The dormant puppy barked loudly at night.
b) His ambitions were dormant after the promotion.
c) The battery remained dormant and charged the phone.
d) They dormant the equipment after use.
Answer: b) His ambitions were dormant after the promotion.
5. What does the idiom "lying dormant" suggest?
a) Something is broken permanently
b) Something is secretly happening
c) Something is inactive but can become active
d) Something is forgotten completely
Answer: c) Something is inactive but can become active
