latent
Present, but not yet visible, active, or developed; hidden or dormant.
EXAMPLE
Obwohl er ruhig wirkte, spürte man eine latente Aggressivität in seinen Worten.
Although he seemed calm, you could sense a latent aggressiveness in his words.
latent
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Meanings
Usage tips
Use in a sentence
As an adjective, 'latent' can stand before a noun or be used with verbs like 'sein' (to be) or 'bleiben' (to remain). It then describes a quality that is not openly visible.
EXAMPLE
Die latente Bedrohung war für alle spürbar.
The latent threat was perceptible to everyone.
Typical collocations
'latent' is almost always used with abstract, often negative nouns. Typical combinations are 'latente Gefahr' (latent danger), 'latentes Risiko' (latent risk), 'latente Kritik' (latent criticism), or 'latente Unzufriedenheit' (latent dissatisfaction).
EXAMPLE
Experten warnen vor der latenten Gefahr eines neuen Vulkanausbruchs.
Experts warn of the latent danger of a new volcanic eruption.
Register and style
The word 'latent' belongs to elevated written language. It is often used in formal, scientific, or psychological contexts to describe something that exists beneath the surface.
EXAMPLE
In der Studie wurde eine latente Neigung zu impulsivem Verhalten festgestellt.
The study found a latent tendency toward impulsive behavior.
Compare with
latent vs unbewusst
unconscious / unconsciously
With a fear, both words can fit when it is not openly apparent. „Unbewusst“ emphasizes that the person is not aware of the fear, while „latent“ highlights that it is present but not yet visible or active. Choose „unbewusst“ for the person’s inner awareness and „latent“ for the hidden state.
latent
Die Angst blieb latent und zeigte sich im Alltag zunächst nicht.
The fear remained latent and did not initially show itself in everyday life.
unbewusst
Die Angst beeinflusste ihn unbewusst, obwohl er sich ruhig fühlte.
The fear influenced him unconsciously, even though he felt calm.
In real life
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