latent
latent — adjective
1. existing in someone or something but not yet shown, active, or developed — for e
existing in someone or something but not yet shown, active, or developed — for example, a hidden talent, a quiet feeling of anger, or a disease that has not yet caused symptoms.
Theo's latent talent for painting only emerged after a weekend art class.
latent talent — noun after latent
Scientists warn that the volcano's latent activity could become dangerous.
latent activity — of natural phenomena
The disease can remain latent in the body for years before symptoms appear.
Eri discovered a latent ability to speak Spanish during her trip to Mexico.
There is latent anger among the workers that could lead to a strike.
- dormant
suggests a temporary rest state, common for volcanoes, plants, and biological processes
- hidden
broader term meaning simply 'not visible', without implying future emergence
- potential
focuses on future possibility rather than current hiddenness
- inactive
neutral term for 'not currently active', without the 'awaiting trigger' nuance
文法句型
latent + noun
remain/stay/lie + latent
用法筆記
Frequently used before a noun (latent talent, latent anger), but can also follow linking verbs such as remain, stay, or lie, especially in formal or technical writing.
常見錯誤
latent — noun
1. a barely visible fingerprint left on a surface at a crime scene, which can be ma
a barely visible fingerprint left on a surface at a crime scene, which can be made clearly visible using special techniques so that it can be studied as evidence.
Detectives found a latent print on the window frame at the crime scene.
latent print — shortened form of latent fingerprint
The forensic team used special powder to make the latent fingerprint visible.
Noor's latent fingerprint matched the one on the stolen car door handle.
A latent print can last for weeks on a surface if the conditions are right.
- fingerprint
general term; not all fingerprints found at a scene are latent
- print
shorter form, very common in forensic shorthand
文法句型
latent print
develop + latent fingerprint
lift + latent print
用法筆記
Almost always used in crime-scene investigation contexts. Both latent fingerprint and the shortened form latent print are standard in police reports and forensic textbooks.