Well-read · Science & thinking
Latent: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Latent adjective. Present but hidden, or not yet developed or active.
How to say it
LAY-tunt/ˈleɪt(ə)nt/
2 syllables, stressed on the first (LAY).
Latent in a sentence
Teaching revealed a latent talent for explaining things that she never knew she had.
Latent heat is the energy ice absorbs as it melts, without getting any warmer.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- dormant
- hidden
- potential
- untapped
Opposite:
- active
- manifest
Where latent comes from
From Latin latere, to lie hidden.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
_____ heat is the energy ice absorbs as it melts, without getting any warmer.
- fluvial
- orthogonal
- latent
Show the answer
latent: Latent heat is the energy ice absorbs as it melts, without getting any warmer.