latent

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'latent' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to describe a potential that is not yet realized or visible. For example: "The latent creative potential of the students was only revealed when they were pushed to explore their ideas more deeply."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pre-season friendlies have always been among the more whimsical dates in the football follower's diary, or at least they always used to be until the leading clubs began jetting off to all economically viable points of the globe in search of extra income and latent support.

The Guardian - Sport

"The government and partners are hopeful that latent cases that are now not being reported or recorded will come out".

The Guardian

"You're unlocking a huge latent capacity that's in our grid infrastructure," says Taylor.

The Guardian

If Dubai ends up at the bleeding edge of real-time, high-tech happiness measurement, what does that tell us about the latent political vision underlying this science?

The Guardian

"I am very, very worried about the latent, for want of a better term, racism, that we are seeing in the country when it comes to our Muslim population," he said.

The Guardian

There are many senior figures in the British media who would take any sign of failure by Rajan to confirm their latent beliefs that non-whites simply aren't up to the job.

The Guardian - Opinion

You could certainly begin to read into the figures of Britain Uncovered an increasing atomisation as one consequence of our latent financial fears.

The Guardian

The debate has not yet exploded, but it is lying there latent.

The Guardian - Sport

Even as a 34-year-old I feel some latent guilt at the safety of the choices I can't remember making.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All the latent talent that England fans had seen only in glimpses burst forth in a torrent of shots bristling with power allied to timing.

The Guardian - Sport

Standard tests often fail to pick up latent viruses before surgery, but the VirScan procedure could reveal their presence and alert doctors and patients to the danger.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "latent" when referring to a quality or ability that exists within someone or something but is not yet clearly visible or active. For example, "The athlete possesses latent speed that needs to be developed."

Common error

Avoid confusing "latent", meaning hidden or potential, with "patent", which refers to something obvious or protected by a legal patent. For example, don't say "The problem was latent" when you mean "The problem was patent" (obvious).

Linguistic Context

The term "latent" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something exists in a hidden or potential form. Ludwig provides examples such as "latent racism" and "latent talent", illustrating its use to describe qualities that are present but not yet fully realized or apparent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "latent" describes something existing but not yet visible or active. Functioning primarily as an adjective, it highlights hidden potential or underlying causes across diverse fields like science, media, and business. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and frequent use. While synonyms like "dormant" or "hidden" exist, "latent" carries a specific nuance of potential waiting to be unlocked. Remember to distinguish it from "patent" to avoid common writing errors. By understanding its function and context, writers can effectively harness the power of "latent" to add depth and precision to their expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dormant

Emphasizes a state of inactivity, as if sleeping.

untapped

Focuses on the idea of potential that has not yet been utilized.

hidden

Highlights the concealed nature of something.

undeveloped

Stresses the lack of growth or progress.

potential

Indicates the capacity for future development or manifestation.

underlying

Suggests a fundamental cause or basis that is not immediately apparent.

unexpressed

Highlights the lack of outward manifestation.

inactive

Focuses on the absence of current activity.

concealed

Emphasizes the deliberate act of keeping something secret.

unseen

Focuses on the lack of visibility.

FAQs

How can I use "latent" in a sentence?

Use "latent" to describe something that exists but is not yet active or visible. For example, "The company discovered a "latent demand" for its new product".

What are some synonyms for "latent"?

Alternatives to "latent" include "dormant", "untapped", "hidden", and "potential". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "latent" and "dormant"?

"Latent" implies something exists but is not yet active or fully developed, while "dormant" suggests a temporary state of inactivity, like a seed in winter.

Is it correct to say "latent ability" or should I use a different term?

"Latent ability" is a correct and common phrase. It refers to an ability that someone possesses but has not yet demonstrated or fully developed. You could also use "potential ability" as an alternative.