dormant
/ˈdɔːmənt/
Group 33Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Temporarily inactive; in or as if in a deep sleep GRE
Example in Context
The long-dormant volcano showed signs of renewed activity, prompting geologists to upgrade the threat level and local authorities to prepare evacuation plans.
Synonyms
asleepinactivelatent
Etymology
From Latin for sleep, implying a state of inactivity like a sleeping bear.
- dormire (Latin) — to sleep
Memory Aid
🛏️Sounds like “door mat”
A lazy DOOR MAT that just lies there, dreaming of adventures while DORMANT!
Visual Association
🐻A bear curled up in a cave, snoring loudly, completely dormant for winter.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “dormant” mean on the GRE?
dormant (adjective) means “Temporarily inactive; in or as if in a deep sleep”. The long-dormant volcano showed signs of renewed activity, prompting geologists to upgrade the threat level and local authorities to prepare evacuation plans.
How to remember “dormant” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “dormant” sounds like “door mat”. A lazy DOOR MAT that just lies there, dreaming of adventures while DORMANT!
What are synonyms for “dormant”?
Common synonyms: asleep, inactive, latent.