quiescent

IPA/kwiˈesnt/
KK[kwaɪˈɛsənt]IPA/kwiˈesnt/

quiescent — 形容詞

  • quiescentpositive
  • more quiescentcomparative
  • most quiescentsuperlative

1. in a state of temporary stillness or calm where there is little or no activity,

1.形容詞C1
釋義

沉寂的

暫時安靜不動的狀態

in a state of temporary stillness or calm where there is little or no activity, but where movement or activity may start again later

例句

After the volcano erupted, it became quiescent for several hundred years.

火山爆發後，進入了沉寂狀態數百年。

became quiescent (volcano: temporary stillness after eruption)

The garden lay quiescent under a thick layer of winter snow.

花園在厚厚的一層冬雪下靜靜地休眠著。

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • active

    the direct opposite — engaged in activity rather than resting

  • restless

    suggests constant movement or agitation, not calm inactivity

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

❌The library was quiescent during exam week.
✅The library was quiet during exam week.
💡'quiescent' implies a temporary pause in something that could become active again, not simply low noise levels.

2. used especially of an illness or medical condition that is present in the body b

2.形容詞C1
釋義

潛伏的

疾病未發作但可能復發

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

例句

The patient's tuberculosis remained quiescent for years before coming back.

該病人的肺結核潛伏了數年才復發。

remain quiescent (disease: present but not producing symptoms)

Elena's doctor told her the virus was quiescent but could become active again.

Elena 的醫生告訴她，該病毒處於潛伏狀態，但可能再次活躍起來。

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • 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.

常見錯誤

❌The common cold is usually quiescent after a week.
✅The cold symptoms disappear after a week.
💡'quiescent' suggests the illness is still present and could return, not that it is simply over.