Word meaning

latent

adjective · LAY-tent

What does latent mean?

Latent means existing but not yet developed or visible; hidden.

Latent in a sentence

“The class brought out her latent talent for drawing.”

Synonyms for latent

  • dormant
  • hidden
  • untapped

Where does latent come from?

From Latin latere, "to lie hidden."

How to remember latent

  • Say it out loud a few times: LAY-tent.
  • Write one sentence of your own using latent, about something that happened to you today.
  • Quiz yourself tomorrow, in three days, and next week. Spaced reviews are what make new words stick.

More words worth knowing

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  • ostentatious — designed to impress or attract notice; showy.

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