quiescent
quiescent — adjective
- quiescentpositive
- more quiescentcomparative
- most quiescentsuperlative
1. in a state of temporary stillness or calm where there is little or no activity,
in a state of temporary stillness or calm where there is little or no activity, but where movement or activity may start again later
After the volcano erupted, it became quiescent for several hundred years.
became quiescent (volcano: temporary stillness after eruption)
The garden lay quiescent under a thick layer of winter snow.
Hao's business remained quiescent during the slow summer months.
The streets grew quiescent after midnight, and the only sound was the wind.
Mathieu described the political mood in the town as quiescent but watchful.
- dormant
similar in meaning but 'dormant' often suggests a deeper, biological sleep (e.g. dormant seeds, dormant volcano), while 'quiescent' suggests a lighter, more temporary inactivity
- inactive
broader and more common; 'inactive' does not carry the expectation that activity will return
- still
more everyday word focusing on absence of movement; 'quiescent' adds a sense of calm and temporary rest
- tranquil
emphasises peacefulness rather than temporary inactivity; 'tranquil' is more about emotional calm
文法句型
be/become/remain/lie/grow + quiescent
quiescent + noun
用法筆記
Common subjects include natural phenomena (volcanoes, seasons) and social conditions (markets, political atmospheres) that alternate between periods of activity and rest.
常見錯誤
2. used especially of an illness or medical condition that is present in the body b
used especially of an illness or medical condition that is present in the body but is not currently producing noticeable symptoms, although it could become active again
The patient's tuberculosis remained quiescent for years before coming back.
remain quiescent (disease: present but not producing symptoms)
Elena's doctor told her the virus was quiescent but could become active again.
Quiescent infections can be hard to detect without regular blood tests.
The treatment aims to keep the condition quiescent for as long as possible.
Mayumi's arthritis entered a quiescent phase after she changed what she ate.
- dormant
very similar; 'dormant' is more common in everyday language for diseases, while 'quiescent' is more technical and formal
- latent
used similarly in medicine, suggesting the disease is present but hidden; 'latent' often implies a longer period before possible activation
- asymptomatic
focuses purely on the absence of symptoms without implying the condition will reactivate
- active
the direct opposite — a disease that is currently producing symptoms
- symptomatic
referring to a disease that is producing noticeable symptoms
文法句型
remain + quiescent
quiescent + disease/infection/virus
用法筆記
Typically used of infections (tuberculosis, HIV) or chronic conditions (arthritis, multiple sclerosis) that have symptom-free periods. In medical writing, 'quiescent' contrasts directly with 'active' disease.