latent
pronunciation
How to pronounce latent in British English:
UK [ˈleɪtnt]
How to pronounce latent in American English:
US [ˈleɪtnt]
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- Adjective:
- potentially existing but not presently evident or realized
- not presently active
Word Origin
- latent (adj.)
- mid-15c., "concealed, secret," from Latin latentem (nominative latens) "lying hid, secret, unknown," present participle of latere "to lie hidden," from PIE *laidh-, from root *la- "to be hidden" (cognates: Greek lethe "forgetfulness, oblivion," Old Church Slavonic lajati "to lie in wait for"). Meaning "dormant" is from 1680s.
Example
- 1. Latent conflicts in africa frequently flare up at such times .
- 2. But how should that latent power be exercised ?
- 3. The proposal is also rife with latent conflict of interest issues .
- 4. Pig 's bodies contain many toxins , worms and latent diseases .
- 5. At the time I considered this a kind of latent censorship .