germinate

[ˈdʒɜːmɪneɪt]

germinate Definition

• 1. (of a seed or spore) begin to grow and put out shoots after a period of dormancy
• 2. cause (a seed or spore) to germinate

Using germinate: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "germinate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The seeds will germinate in just a few days.

• Example

  It takes about two weeks for the seeds to germinate.

• Example

  The warmth and moisture will help the seeds to germinate.

• Example

  The plant will not germinate if the soil is too dry.

germinate Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for germinate

• grow
• develop
• blossom
• flourish
• sprout

Antonyms for germinate

• wither
• die
• decay

Phrases with germinate

• germinate an idea

  to start developing an idea

  Example

  She was able to germinate the idea of starting her own business.

• germinate a plan

  to start developing a plan

  Example

  They were able to germinate a plan for their next project.

• germinate seeds of doubt

  to cause someone to start doubting something

  Example

  The article germinated seeds of doubt in his mind about the company's practices.

Origins of germinate

from Latin 'germinare', meaning 'to sprout'

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Summary: germinate in Brief

The verb 'germinate' [ˈdʒɜːmɪneɪt] refers to the process of a seed or spore beginning to grow and put out shoots after a period of dormancy. It can also mean causing a seed or spore to germinate. The phrase 'germinate an idea' means to start developing an idea, while 'germinate seeds of doubt' means to cause someone to start doubting something.