latent
latent
Pronunciation
latent (IPA: /ˈleɪ.tənt/)
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
First syllable (leɪ):
/l/: voiced alveolar consonant (like the "l" in "lip")
/eɪ/: long diphthong sound (like the "ay" in "say")
Second syllable (tənt):
/t/: voiceless alveolar plosive (like the "t" in "top")
/ə/: schwa sound (a neutral vowel sound, like the "uh" in "but")
/n/: voiced alveolar nasal (like the "n" in "nap")
/t/: voiceless alveolar plosive (same as the first syllable)
Word Form Variations
The word "latent" has the following variations:
Number:
Singular: latent
Plural: latent (since it functions as an adjective, it doesn't have a separate plural form)
Degree:
Positive: latent (the base form)
Comparative: more latent
Superlative: most latent
Other:
Adverb: latently
Noun: latency (derived from the adjective, refers to the state of being latent)
There are no gerunds or participles for "latent" because it's an adjective.
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Adjective:
Definition:
Present but not yet active, visible, or developed. (This is the most common definition)
Existing in a hidden or dormant state, with the potential to become active under certain conditions.
Synonyms: dormant, hidden, undeveloped, potential, inactive, unexpressed, concealed, veiled, quiescent
Antonyms: active, visible, developed, manifest, overt, expressed
Adverb:
Definition: In a latent way; existing or done in a hidden or undeveloped state.
Synonyms: dormantly, implicitly, subtly, indirectly
Antonyms: actively, visibly, overtly, explicitly
Noun (derived from the adjective):
Definition: The state of being latent; a hidden or undeveloped potential.
Synonyms: dormancy, inactivity, unexpressed state, hiddenness, concealment
Antonyms: activity, development, manifestation, overtness
Examples of Use
1. Literature:
"The seeds lay dormant in the fertile soil, their latent potential waiting for the spring rains." (Fictional novel)
2. Science News Article:
"A new study explores the role of latent viruses in the development of autoimmune diseases." (Science news website)
3. Movie Dialogue:
"There's a latent telepathic ability in all of us, but most people never learn to unlock it." (Science fiction film)
4. Educational Podcast:
"Early childhood experiences can have a latent impact on a child's social and emotional development later in life." (Psychology podcast)
5. Social Media Post:
"Feeling overwhelmed by my workload, but there's always a latent sense of creativity waiting to break through." (Twitter post)
6. Historical Context:
"The discontent among the working class remained latent until the economic crash triggered a wave of protests." (History book)
7. Business Meeting Discussion:
"We need to identify the latent demand for our product in this new market." (Marketing meeting)
8. Personal Conversation:
"There's a latent artistic talent in you, I can see it in your detailed drawings." (Encouraging a friend)
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Latent
While "latent" is a well-understood word, it's not as common in famous quotes as some others. Here are a few quotes that use the word "latent" or a close synonym:
"Without passion man is a mere latent force and possibility, like the flint which awaits the shock of the iron before it can give forth its spark." - Amiel (French philosopher) (variation: latent potential)
"The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work." - Emile Zola (French novelist) (variation: latent talent)
"The creative mind plays with the elements of thought as a child plays with his blocks of wood." - Rabindranath Tagore (Bengali poet) (variation: latent creativity)
"Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel." - Socrates (Greek philosopher) (variation: ignite latent potential)
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." - Albert Einstein (German-born theoretical physicist) (variation: spark latent curiosity)
"The mind is everything. What you think you become." - Buddha (founder of Buddhism) (variation: shape latent potential)
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." - Socrates (Greek philosopher) (variation: recognize own latent ignorance)
"The unexamined life is not worth living." - Socrates (Greek philosopher) (variation: explore latent meaning)
"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." - G.K. Chesterton (English writer) (variation: defend latent values).
"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." - Ralph Waldo Emerson (American philosopher) (variation: cultivate latent potential)
For some quotes, "latent" is directly substituted with a synonym that captures the same essence.
Etymology
The word "latent" is like a secret agent – it comes from hiding! Here's the story:
Origin: The word traces back to the Latin word "latere," which means "to lie hidden."
First Appearance: It snuck into English sometime in the Middle English period (around 1475).
Original Meaning: Back then, it simply meant "hidden" or "concealed." Think of a hidden treasure chest or a secret spy mission.
Over time, the meaning of "latent" broadened a bit. It now refers not only to things that are physically hidden, but also to things that are present but not yet active or developed. Imagine a seed holding the potential to become a flower, or an artistic talent waiting to be discovered.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Latent
While there aren't many common idioms directly using "latent," here are some phrases and related expressions that utilise "latent" and capture its meaning:
Latent potential: This refers to the hidden ability or possibility that exists within something, waiting to be developed.
Latent heat: This is a scientific term in physics describing the hidden energy absorbed or released during a change of state (like solid to liquid) without a change in temperature.
Unleash latent talent: This phrase describes the process of bringing out a hidden skill or ability.
Lying latent: This emphasizes the hidden and inactive nature of something.
Bring to the surface latent issues: This refers to uncovering underlying problems that were previously hidden.
A land rich in latent resources: This describes a place with hidden potential for development, like natural resources.
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Source Information
Definition of latent from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
