dormant

/ˈdɔːmənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdɔːrmənt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdȯr-mənt/ (ame, mw)

dormant — adjective

  • dormantpositive
  • more dormantcomparative
  • most dormantsuperlative

1. not active or growing at the present time, but able to start developing, moving,

1.形容詞B2
釋義

not active or growing at the present time, but able to start developing, moving, or functioning again later

例句

The volcano had been dormant for two hundred years before it erupted without warning.

dormant volcano — natural phenomenon capable of reactivation

These seeds stay dormant through the winter and begin to grow when spring arrives.

同義詞
  • inactive

    broader term; can describe anything not currently active, not just things with potential to reactivate

  • latent

    emphasises hidden potential that has not yet appeared; more formal and often used for abilities or qualities

  • hibernating

    used for animals that sleep through winter; more specific and concrete

  • suspended

    suggests activity was deliberately halted and may or may not resume

反義詞
  • active

    currently functioning or operating

  • awake

    not sleeping; alert and responsive

用法筆記

Frequently used to describe natural phenomena (volcanoes, seeds, viruses) that are temporarily inactive but retain the capacity to become active again. Often paired with the verbs 'lie', 'remain', or 'stay'.

常見錯誤

❌The volcano is extinct so it might erupt again.
✅The volcano is dormant, so it might erupt again.
💡'extinct' means it will never erupt again; 'dormant' means it can still become active.

2. in a state of inactivity that has lasted for a long time, with no sign of change

2.形容詞B2
釋義

in a state of inactivity that has lasted for a long time, with no sign of change or progress

例句

The old factory has lain dormant since it closed its doors in the nineteen-eighties.

lie dormant + time period — prolonged inactivity

Peace talks between the two nations remained dormant for nearly a decade before restarting.

同義詞
  • inactive

    broader; does not necessarily imply long duration

  • idle

    often used for machinery, factories, or workers; suggests temporary stoppage

  • dormant

    the headword — not a true synonym but included for completeness

反義詞

用法筆記

Subject is usually an organisation, project, discussion, or personal interest. Common with the verbs 'lie' and 'remain'. Distinguish from sense 1 (LATENT CAPACITY): this sense focuses on the duration and state of inactivity, not on the potential for reactivation.

常見錯誤

❌The volcano has lain dormant for ten years, so it may never erupt again.
✅The volcano has been dormant for ten years and could still erupt.
💡'dormant' implies possible reactivation even after long inactivity.