Vocabulary in context
SAT Vocabulary Workbook
The closest companion to SATVocab for students who want guided lessons and written practice.
Check the workbook
Dormant
Not actively growing or functioning; asleep or temporarily inactive.
adjectiveCheck this word before you leave
Pick the meaning. Keys AโD work too.
How well do you know this word now?
Your choice schedules the next review.
๐ก
Imagine This
Imagine dorm ants, living in a comfortable full-service dormitory, are usually lazy and inactive. The doormen standing in front of those run-down hotels are usually not very active. They fall asleep easily because there are very few customers.
๐
Sounds Like
DOR-mษnt
๐
Looks Like
Looks like the word splits into 'dorm' (as in dormitory) and 'ant'; resembles 'dormant' visually.
๐
Remember This
Derived from Latin dormire 'to sleep'; related to dormitory and dormouse.
๐
Other Forms
dormancynoun
dormantadjective
๐
Connect With
latent, inactive, inert, quiescent
๐
Note
Use dormant to describe objects, conditions, or states that are inactive but have the potential to become active again. Do not typically refer to people unless describing a temporary state of sleep or inactivity in a figurative sense.
๐ง
Study Deeper
Examples
- The volcano remained dormant for centuries before erupting.
- Many seeds stay dormant through the winter and sprout in the spring.
Synonyms
inactiveasleeplatentquiescenttorpid
Antonyms
activeawakeengaged
Etymology
From Latin dormire 'to sleep', via Old French dormant; related to dormitory (a place for sleeping) and dormouse.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: DORMANT = DORM ANT: picture a dormitory ant napping to remember 'sleeping' or 'inactive'.
Next Word
Continue in alphabetical order.
Try a Random Word
Pick any word below to jump in.
Enthrall
verbTo capture and hold someone's attention or imagination; to spellbind or fascinate.
Hierarchy
nounA system in which people or things are arranged according to rank or authority; a graded order of importance or power.
Pernicious
adjectiveHaving a harmful, destructive, or deadly effect, especially over a long period or in a subtle way.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Latent
adjectiveExisting but not yet active; having potential to develop or become visible or actual.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Study beyond this word
Turn vocabulary practice into a complete SAT plan
Add a workbook for repetition or the official guide for full-test context.
First-time test takers
Official SAT Guide
Official question styles, test structure, and print practice from the College Board.
Check the official guidePaid Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.