Latent

Practice This Word

Existing but not yet active; having potential to develop or become visible or actual.

adjective

Latent

Existing but not yet active; having potential to develop or become visible or actual.

adjective

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Imagine This

latex is useless unless someone decides to make use of it in making balloons, bike tubes, or car tires.

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Sounds Like

LAY-tent

👀

Looks Like

latex (milky sap secreted by certain plants, used to make rubber)

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Remember This

Latent comes from Latin latent- meaning hidden; related to lying hidden or waiting to be revealed.

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Other Forms

latencynoun

latentlyadverb

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Connect With

dormant, hidden, inactive, potential, emergence

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Note

Latent describes potential that exists but is not currently active. Do not confuse with patent (obvious). Commonly used in science and psychology (latent heat, latent potential).

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Study Deeper

Examples

The company's latent potential became obvious after restructuring.
The disease remained latent for years before symptoms appeared.

Synonyms

dormanthiddeninactivepotentialconcealed

Antonyms

activemanifestobvious

Etymology

From Latin latent-, past participle of latere 'to lie hidden'; from lateo 'to lie hidden'.

Mnemonic

Latent = lying in wait; think of latent potential as something hidden, lying in wait to become active.

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Altruistic

adjective

Showing a selfless concern for the welfare of others; unselfishly generous.

Embrace

verb

To hold someone closely in your arms as a sign of affection; to welcome, accept, or adopt something (such as an idea, change, or opportunity) with enthusiasm.