germinate
verb C2
Plain meaning
to begin to grow, especially from a seed
Exam-register meaning
In formal or high-level texts, it is used to describe to begin to grow, especially from a seed, often with a precise or specialised tone.
In context
naturalThe team tried to germinate the problem before it became serious.
examThe report argues that institutions should germinate ineffective practices through evidence-based reform.
Common collocations
germinate a proposalgerminate the issuegerminate in practice
Watch out
Do not use “germinate” with every object. Check the object that follows it and avoid using it when a simpler verb is more natural.
Word family
germinateing (verb form)germinateed (past/participle, where regular)