Dormant vs. Hibernate — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 6, 2024
Dormant refers to a state of inactivity in both living and non-living contexts, while hibernation specifically denotes a deep, prolonged sleep-like state in animals to conserve energy during unfavorable conditions.
Difference Between Dormant and Hibernate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Dormancy can occur in plants, animals, and even in business or technology sectors, indicating a temporary period of inactivity, whereas hibernation is a biological state that exclusively applies to some animals, including bears and bats, as a survival strategy during winter scarcity.
Dormant states in plants may involve shedding leaves and halting growth to conserve resources during cold or dry seasons, while hibernation in animals involves significant physiological changes such as reduced heart rate and metabolism to minimize energy expenditure.
In the tech world, a dormant phase might refer to software or projects that are not currently active or being updated, on the other hand, hibernation has no application in this context and remains strictly a biological term.
Financial markets or products may also be described as dormant when there are no current transactions or activities, whereas hibernation does not describe economic conditions.
Dormancy is a broader concept applicable in various fields and contexts as a general state of inactivity, whereas hibernation is a specific adaptive technique used by certain animals to survive environmental extremes.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A state of temporary inactivity in various contexts.
A state of deep, prolonged torpor or rest in animals.
Applicability
Both living and non-living entities.
Exclusively animals.
Purpose
General survival strategy during unfavorable conditions.
Energy conservation during periods of scarce resources.
Physiological Changes
Varies widely depending on the context.
Significant reductions in metabolic rate and temperature.
Examples
Dormant volcano, dormant account.
Bears, bats, and some rodents hibernate.
Compare with Definitions
Dormant
Temporarily inactive or inoperative.
The volcano remains dormant, with no recent activity.
Hibernate
To spend the winter in a dormant state.
The turtle hibernates at the bottom of the pond.
Dormant
Not currently active, but able to become active.
The software development has been dormant for years.
Hibernate
To remain inactive or in a state of dormancy.
The application hibernates until it's opened again.
Dormant
In a state of rest or inactivity.
The garden appears dormant in the winter months.
Hibernate
To withdraw or go into seclusion.
I plan to hibernate at home this weekend.
Dormant
Lying asleep or as if asleep.
The unsold goods lay dormant in the warehouse.
Hibernate
To be in a state of torpor or reduced metabolism.
During hibernation, the bear's heart rate slows dramatically.
Dormant
Marked by a cessation of growth.
Many trees are dormant until spring.
Hibernate
To pass the winter in a resting state as a survival strategy.
Some small mammals hibernate to avoid winter scarcity.
Dormant
Not awake; asleep
"[He] lay dormant on the scruffy couch, his mouth open, reading glasses slumped on his swollen nostrils" (Steven Heighton).
Hibernate
To be in a dormant or torpid state during a cold period, especially during the winter.
Dormant
Present but not active or manifest though capable of becoming so
"a harrowing experience which ... lay dormant but still menacing" (Charles Jackson).
Hibernate
To be in an inactive or dormant state or period
"In Lawrenceville people hibernated and life passed them by" (Jacqueline Susann).
Dormant
Temporarily inactive
A dormant volcano.
Hibernate
To spend the winter in a dormant or inactive state of minimal activity, low body temperature, slow breathing and heart rate, and low metabolic rate; to go through a winter sleep.
Hedgehogs and bears are two of the many mammals that hibernate in winter.
Dormant
Being in a condition of biological rest or inactivity characterized by cessation of growth or development and the suspension of many metabolic processes
A dormant bud.
A dormant bacterium.
Hibernate
(intransitive) To live in seclusion.
Dormant
Inactive, sleeping, asleep, suspended.
Grass goes dormant during the winter, waiting for spring before it grows again.
The bank account was dormant; there had been no transactions in months.
This volcano is dormant but not extinct.
Hibernate
To enter a standby state which conserves power without losing the contents of memory.
Dormant
(heraldry) In a sleeping posture; distinguished from couchant.
A lion dormant
Hibernate
To winter; to pass the season of winter in close quarters, in a torpid or lethargic state, as certain mammals, reptiles, and insects.
Inclination would lead me to hibernate, during half the year, in this uncomfortable climate of Great Britain.
Dormant
(architecture) Leaning.
Hibernate
Sleep during winter;
Bears must eat a lot of food before they hibernate in their caves
Certain animals estivate
Dormant
(architecture) A crossbeam or joist.
Hibernate
Be in an inactive or dormant state
Dormant
A large beam in the roof of a house upon which portions of the other timbers rest or " sleep."
Dormant
Of e.g. volcanos; temporarily inactive;
A dormant volcano
An extinct volcano
Dormant
Lying with head on paws as if sleeping
Dormant
In a condition of biological rest or suspended animation;
Dormant buds
A hibernating bear
Torpid frogs
Dormant
Not active but capable of becoming active;
Her feelings of affection are dormant but easily awakened
Common Curiosities
Can all animals hibernate?
No, only specific species such as certain mammals and insects have adapted to survive by hibernating.
How does hibernation affect an animal’s body?
It dramatically reduces the animal's metabolism, body temperature, and energy needs.
Is dormancy the same as death?
No, dormancy is a temporary state of inactivity, with the potential to resume activity, unlike death, which is permanent.
What triggers hibernation in animals?
Hibernation is usually triggered by decreasing temperatures and food scarcity.
How can I tell if a plant is dormant or dead?
A dormant plant will still have viable buds and a healthy root system, whereas a dead plant will not show signs of life when conditions improve.
What does it mean for a plant to be dormant?
It means the plant has temporarily stopped growing and is conserving energy, typically in response to environmental stress such as cold or drought.
Does hibernation mean the same as sleep?
While similar to sleep, hibernation is a deeper, more prolonged state that involves more extensive physiological changes.
Do all bears hibernate?
Not all bear species hibernate; it depends on their habitat and available food resources.
Can a business be dormant?
Yes, a business can be dormant when it is not conducting any active transactions or operations.
What are the benefits of dormancy?
It allows plants and some animals to survive adverse conditions and conserve resources until favorable conditions return.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
