What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dormant
Example
The seeds lay dormant in the soil until spring. [dormant: adjective]
Example
The company's profits have been dormant for the past year. [dormant: adjective]
quiescent
Example
The lake was quiescent in the early morning light. [quiescent: adjective]
Example
The baby was quiescent in her mother's arms. [quiescent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dormant is more commonly used than quiescent in everyday language, especially in scientific or technical contexts. Quiescent is less common but has a positive connotation that makes it suitable for literary or poetic writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dormant and quiescent?
Both dormant and quiescent are formal words that are typically used in written rather than spoken language. However, dormant is more versatile and can be used in various contexts, while quiescent is more limited in its usage.
