dormant
inactive as if asleep
Root
- dorm / dormire: sleep or lie inactive
Other words with the dorm / dormire root
- dormitory: a sleeping room or student residence
Dormant means sleeping for now: life or energy is present but not active.
The volcano stayed dormant for centuries before the first tremors returned.
Dormant is useful because it is not dead. A dormant seed, volcano, skill, or feeling is quiet for now, but it may wake again.