Reading Theme:
Germinate: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：sprout (germinate)
germinate
/ˈdʒɜːrmɪneɪt/
v.
When a seed starts to grow and produce a new, young plant from inside itself.
sprout
➕
/spraʊt/
v.
To start growing as a seed develops into a young plant.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'germinare', meaning 'to sprout', related to 'germen' (bud).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'germ' in germinate as the beginning of growth, like a seed sprouting.
📖 Example
After a week of warmth and water, the bean seeds on the sunny windowsill finally began to germinate.
The bean seeds started to sprout after being warm and watered for a week on the windowsill.
🔗 Collocations
seeds germinate – seeds begin to grow
germinate under ideal conditions – start growing in perfect environments
promote germination – encourage seeds to sprout
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
wither (v.) – to dry up and die
die (v.) – to cease living
remain dormant (phrase) – to stay inactive
🌱 Derivatives
germination (n.) – the process of germinating
germinative (adj.) – relating to germination
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'germinare', used in English since the 17th century. Commonly applied in botany and metaphorically for ideas taking root.
Meaning 2：take root (germinate)
germinate
/ˈdʒɜːrmɪneɪt/
v.
When an idea, plan, or feeling begins to form in someone's mind.
take root
➕
/teɪk ruːt/
v.
To start to develop or form, as an idea or plan in the mind.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The idea for her novel germinated during a long train journey, inspired by the landscapes she saw.
Her novel's concept started to form during a train trip, inspired by the scenery.
🔗 Collocations
idea germinates – an idea begins to develop
germinate in one's mind – start forming in the thoughts
slowly germinate – develop gradually
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
fade (v.) – to gradually disappear
dissipate (v.) – to scatter or vanish
remain unformed (phrase) – stay without shape
🌱 Derivatives
germination (n.) – the process of germinating
germinative (adj.) – relating to germination
Wordbook
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