dormant curiosity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dormant curiosity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a curiosity that is not currently active or expressed but exists beneath the surface, waiting to be awakened. Example: "After years of focusing on my career, I found that my dormant curiosity about art was reignited during my recent trip to the museum."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

These circumstances rekindled my dormant curiosity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As Thundercat mesmerized the crowd, plucking away at intricate bass patterns, the looming stage sculpture sat dormant, tallying the curiosities of everyone in the room.

Vice

Anything that creates a spark of curiosity within us or generates some desire that typically lays dormant within our familiar days, is often our intuition guiding us to say yes (or at least to learn more).

Huffington Post

For curiosity?

The New Yorker

Thus Curiosity.

Independent

The issue lies dormant.

The New Yorker

They were comfortably dormant.

The New York Times

literary curiosity?

The New Yorker

Curiosity prevailed.

The New Yorker

Many sit dormant.

The New Yorker

The effort went dormant.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you use the phrase "dormant curiosity", ensure that the context clearly implies that the curiosity is not entirely extinguished but is merely waiting for the right stimulus to resurface.

Common error

Avoid using "dormant curiosity" when there was never any prior interest. The phrase implies a pre-existing curiosity that has simply been inactive. If there was no initial curiosity, use terms like "unexplored interest" or "untapped potential".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dormant curiosity" functions as a noun phrase where "dormant" modifies the noun "curiosity". It describes a state of curiosity that is temporarily inactive or suppressed. Ludwig's examples showcase how it's used to indicate a curiosity that can be rekindled or reawakened.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dormant curiosity" refers to an interest that is currently inactive but retains the potential to be reawakened. While grammatically correct, it is not a particularly common phrase. According to Ludwig, it's mostly encountered in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates a pre-existing interest that has simply been temporarily inactive. Alternatives such as "latent curiosity" or "unawakened interest" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is valid and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Latent curiosity

Replaces "dormant" with "latent", indicating a hidden or concealed curiosity.

Inactive inquisitiveness

Substitutes both "dormant" and "curiosity" with synonyms, resulting in a more formal tone.

Suppressed curiosity

Implies that the curiosity was actively held back or restrained.

Unawakened interest

Shifts the focus to "interest" rather than "curiosity", suggesting a potential but unrealized desire to learn.

Sleeping inquisitiveness

Uses "sleeping" as a more metaphorical synonym for dormant.

Quiescent curiosity

Employs "quiescent", a formal synonym for dormant, to describe a state of inactivity.

Hidden interest

Suggests the interest exists but is not openly expressed or apparent.

Potential curiosity

Emphasizes the possibility of curiosity arising in the future.

Unexplored fascination

Highlights that the fascination hasn't been investigated or pursued.

Subconscious interest

Suggests an interest that exists on a level that is not fully conscious.

FAQs

How can I use "dormant curiosity" in a sentence?

You can use "dormant curiosity" to describe an interest that has been inactive but is capable of being reawakened. For example: "These circumstances rekindled my "dormant curiosity".

What's the difference between "latent curiosity" and "dormant curiosity"?

While both terms describe a hidden or inactive interest, "dormant curiosity" often suggests a temporary state of inactivity, whereas "latent curiosity" implies a more deeply concealed or undeveloped potential.

What can I say instead of "dormant curiosity"?

You can use alternatives like "latent curiosity", "sleeping inquisitiveness", or "unawakened interest" depending on the context.

Is "dormant curiosity" a common phrase?

While grammatically correct, "dormant curiosity" is not as frequently used as some of its alternatives. Its usage is more nuanced, implying a temporary state of inactivity rather than a complete absence of interest.