Germinate: meaning, definitions and examples

Used mostly in a botanical context to describe the process of seeds starting to grow into plants.

• After the seeds are planted and watered, they will germinate in about a week.
• Scientific studies show how certain temperatures help seeds to germinate faster.

Used to describe the early stage of growth for a plant, often for small plants or the first signs of growth.

• Tiny green leaves began to sprout from the soil.
• After a week, the beans will start to sprout.

Commonly used to describe the act of a new part of a plant beginning to grow; also can be used in a more figurative sense for sudden physical growth.

• The plant began to shoot up rapidly after the first rains of spring.
• He grew so fast that he seemed to shoot up overnight.

Applicable in a variety of situations, referring to the process of growth or improvement over time, not limited to plants.

• It takes years for a good relationship to develop.
• Scientists are trying to develop new methods to reduce pollution.