Words / C2

kwee-ESNT/kwiˈesnt/

Quiescent means quiet and inactive for a time, with the hint that activity could return. Scientists, historians, and critics use it for a volcano, a market, or an illness that is still, not dead. In speech say dormant, quiet, or inactive; quiescent sounds technical.

Meaning

Quiet and not active, for a time.

Examples

• “The volcano has been quiescent for years.”
• “The dispute went quiescent after the inquiry.”
• “The infection is quiescent but not cured.”

Good to know

Inactive for now, not necessarily gone. Everyday: dormant.

Near in meaning

dormant

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