stagnate
Verb
Hard difficulty
What does “stagnate” mean?
verb.(of water or air) cease to flow or move; become combined with an unpleasant smell as a consequence.
SAT Usage
this verb often appears in passages related to economic, social, or environmental themes, suggesting a lack of progress or development. It emphasizes the negative consequences of inaction or stagnation, contrasting with words like "advance" or "evolve," which imply growth or movement toward improvement.
Common Confusions
Stagnate implies a complete cessation of progress or movement, while progress usually suggests a continuous advancement or improvement.
Do not choose stagnate if the context emphasizes movement or freshness rather than ceasing to flow or move and becoming combined with an unpleasant smell as a consequence.
Example Sentences
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Without new investment, the local economy began to stagnate.