latent — existing but not yet developed or manifest; hidden; dormant
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: existing but not yet developed or manifest; hidden; dormant
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈleɪtənt/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother's latent cooking skills emerged when she had to feed 20 people for Thanksgiving.
- The company failed to recognize the latent market for left-handed scissors.
- His latent fear of clowns suddenly surfaced at the circus.
latent
ADJECTIVE[/ˈleɪtənt/]
existing but not yet developed or manifest; hidden; dormant
The scrawny, quiet student aggressively snapped the thick wooden bat in half, instantly revealing his terrifying latent physical power.
LAT(hidden) + ENT(state) — a latent danger is like aggressively ripping up a boring floorboard to find a massive, ticking bomb completely hidden underneath.
Right after proudly showing his official patent, the inventor aggressively pushed a button, accidentally unleashing the small machine's terrifying latent laser beam.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'latens', the present participle of 'latere' meaning 'to lie hidden' or 'to be concealed'. The word entered English in the 15th century through French and Latin influences.
Breakdown
lat- (hidden, concealed) + -ent (adjective suffix indicating a state or condition) = latent
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother's latent cooking skills emerged when she had to feed 20 people for Thanksgiving.”
“The company failed to recognize the latent market for left-handed scissors.”
“His latent fear of clowns suddenly surfaced at the circus.”
“Scientists study latent genetic factors that may influence behavior.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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