Which option defines latent?

• A. Exists but is not active, obvious, completely developed, or cannot be seen
• B. Present and obvious
• C. Fully developed
• D. Easily noticeable

Answer: (A)

Latent means something that exists but is not active, obvious, or yet fully expressed. It’s presence is real, but its development or appearance is hidden, dormant, or waiting to be triggered. This idea is seen in phrases like latent talent or latent heat, where the potential or energy is there but not yet manifested or visible.

The option that captures this sense describes something that exists but isn’t active or visible, or isn’t fully developed. That matches latent’s core idea of hidden or dormant presence. The other options describe things that are present and obvious, fully developed, or easily noticeable, which contrast with latent’s hidden nature.