Which meaning describes the state of 'dormant'?

• A. Sleeping, lying asleep or as if asleep; inactive
• B. Not active or developing now, but it may become active or develop in the future
• C. In a state of rest or inactivity; inoperative
• D. Energetic and lively

Answer: (A)

Dormant describes something that is resting or not active at the moment, like it’s asleep but has the potential to wake up or become active again. The best match here is the meaning that directly conveys this present state of inactivity and rest. It captures the idea that something is not currently functioning or growing, even though it could resume later. The other phrases either emphasize future potential without the immediate stillness, imply a stronger lack of function, or state vitality, which are not the core sense of dormant.