vegetate
UK: ˈvedʒ.ɪ.teɪt | US: ˈvedʒ.ə.teɪt
vi. to live in a monotonous, passive, or unthinking way
vi. (biology) to grow or develop as a plant does
The word "vegetate" originates from the Latin vegetare, meaning "to enliven" or "to grow," derived from vegetus (lively, vigorous). Over time, its meaning shifted in English to describe passive, plant-like existence—contrasting the original sense of vitality. The suffix "-ate" standardizes it as a verb. This ironic evolution reflects how language repurposes roots to convey nuanced opposites (e.g., lively → inert).
After retirement, he chose to vegetate in front of the TV.
The injured athlete feared he would vegetate during recovery.
Plants vegetate more rapidly in humid climates.
She refused to vegetate in a dead-end job.
Without goals, the mind begins to vegetate.