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adjective

latent

latent

Schon vorhanden, aber noch nicht sichtbar oder bemerkbar.

Definition & meaning

latent means present or existing but not currently visible, expressed, or active. It often describes something hidden that could become apparent or take effect later.

Depending on context, it can mean:

  • Hidden or unexpressed: a latent fear or conflict exists beneath the surface.
  • Potential or dormant: a latent ability is present but has not yet been developed or shown.
  • Inactive in a medical sense: a latent infection is present but does not currently cause noticeable symptoms.

Grammar & Word origin

latent is an adjective. It takes endings when used before a noun, for example latente in a feminine or plural form, but stays unchanged when used after a verb such as “to be.”

It entered German through scholarly usage and ultimately comes from Latin latens, meaning “hidden” or “lying concealed,” from latere (“to lie hidden”). It is not formed from separate German word parts.

Synonyms & antonyms

Possible synonyms include:

  • verborgen — “hidden”; emphasizes that something is concealed.
  • versteckt — “hidden” or “concealed”; often suggests that something has been deliberately put out of sight.
  • schlummernd — “dormant” or “slumbering”; highlights that something may awaken or become active.
  • unbewusst — “unconscious” or “unaware”; applies especially to feelings or mental processes, rather than to every kind of latent thing.

Possible antonyms include:

  • offen — “open” or “plain”; contrasts with something concealed.
  • sichtbar — “visible”; contrasts with something not yet apparent.
  • manifest — “manifest” or “clearly expressed”; a close conceptual opposite, especially in formal contexts.
  • akut — “acute”; an opposite mainly in medical contexts, where it contrasts with an inactive or symptom-free condition.

Common phrases & collocations

  • latente Gefahr — a hidden or potential danger.
  • latente Spannung — an underlying tension.
  • latente Fähigkeit — an ability that exists but has not yet been developed or demonstrated.
  • latente Infektion — an infection that is present but not currently causing noticeable symptoms.

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Examples

Sie spürt eine latente Angst.adjective

She feels a latent fear.

Zwischen den Nachbarn gibt es latente Spannungen.adjective

There are latent tensions between the neighbors.

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