Quiescent
hardNeutral tonekwee-ES-unt
adjective
Definition
In a state of inactivity or dormancy
Memory hook
QUIET +ESCENT: becoming QUIET and still — dormant and inactive.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The volcano remained quiescent for decades.”
“The disease can remain quiescent for years.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The volcano remained ______ for decades.”
Show answer
quiescent
Categories
GRE Tip
Quiescent is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "dormant" or "latent" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "active".
Related GRE Words
dormant
temporarily inactive but capable of becoming active
languorous
Characterized by tiredness or inactivity; pleasantly lazy
inert
lacking the power to move or act; sluggish or chemically inactive
latent
present but not visible or active; dormant
lethargic
Affected by lethargy; sluggish and apathetic
listless
Lacking energy or enthusiasm
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