Penetration: meaning, definitions and examples

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penetration

[ˌpɛnɪˈtreɪʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in business

The action or process of making a way through or into something. It can also refer to the extent to which a product or idea is accepted or used.

Synonyms

infiltration, invasion, permeation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
penetration	This word is commonly used in technical, military, and business contexts to describe the act of entering or making a way into something. It can have a neutral or positive connotation depending on the context. The company's market penetration strategy was highly effective. The enemy's lines were weak, allowing a rapid penetration by the advancing troops.
infiltration	This word is often used in military, espionage, or security contexts to describe the act of entering or gaining access to an area or organization in a covert and possibly deceitful manner. It generally has a negative connotation. The spy's infiltration of the enemy's headquarters went unnoticed. Infiltration of malware into the system posed significant security risks.
permeation	This word is used in scientific, chemical, or general contexts to describe the process of spreading or diffusing through a substance. It is generally neutral and does not carry a negative connotation. The permeation of water through the soil helps to nourish the plants. The smell of garlic began to permeate the entire house.
invasion	This term is typically used in military or aggressive contexts to describe the act of entering a place or situation in large numbers, often forcefully and without permission. It usually carries a negative connotation. The invasion of the small country by its powerful neighbor sparked international outrage. Privacy invasion by unauthorized surveillance has become a growing concern.

Examples of usage

The penetration of the market by a new brand was impressive.
The company's penetration into new markets led to increased profits.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in military

The action of penetrating an enemy's defenses, especially with an attack.

Synonyms

assault, incursion, infiltration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
penetration	This term is generally used in scenarios involving the entry or passage into something, often with a sense of breaking through or overcoming barriers. It can be used in both physical and abstract contexts, such as market penetration or military penetration. The company achieved rapid market penetration with its innovative products The penetration of enemy lines was a turning point in the battle
infiltration	Best suited for situations where someone or something gradually and covertly enters a place or group with the intention of gathering information or gaining influence. It often carries a secretive or deceptive connotation. The spy's infiltration into the organization went undetected for years Infiltration of new technology into the industry takes time
incursion	This word is suitable for describing brief or sudden invasions or intrusions into a territory or place, usually by a hostile force. It is often used in military or political contexts. There was a brief incursion into the border village by enemy troops The government is taking measures to prevent further incursions
assault	Typically used in situations involving a violent physical attack or strong aggressive actions. The word often has a negative connotation, especially in the context of crime or warfare. He was arrested for assault after the bar fight The military launched an assault on the enemy base at dawn

Examples of usage

The enemy's penetration of our defenses caught us off guard.
The successful penetration of the enemy's stronghold was a strategic victory.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

in technology

The depth to which a tool, such as a drill, goes into a material.

Synonyms

depth, extent, reach.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
penetration	This term is often used in military, business, and market contexts. It conveys the idea of breaking through barriers or gaining entry into a specific area or market, sometimes carrying a more aggressive or invasive connotation. The army's penetration into enemy territory was swift and decisive. The company's market penetration strategy helped them gain a significant share of consumers.
depth	Use 'depth' when discussing the intensity, complexity, or thoroughness of a situation, task, or concept. It often implies a significant degree of detail or understanding. The depth of her knowledge in the subject is impressive. The book explores the emotional depth of the characters.
extent	This word is suitable for describing the size, range, or scope of something, whether it be a physical area or an abstract concept. It emphasizes the broadness or limits of a subject. The extent of the damage after the storm was shocking. He did not realize the extent of her dedication.
reach	Reach is commonly used when referring to the physical distance one can extend to, or the influence and accessibility a person or thing has. It can imply the range or connection achievable. The child couldn't reach the top shelf. Her influence reached across the community.

Examples of usage

The drill's penetration into the wood was impressive.
The depth of penetration of the laser beam was crucial for the experiment.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'penetratio', which means 'to pierce' or 'to enter'.
The root 'penetrare' translates to 'to enter' in Latin, which is also its base form.
The term began to be used in various fields by the late 19th century, expanding beyond physical descriptions.

Science

In physics, penetration refers to how particles or waves can travel through materials, influencing fields like acoustics and radiation.
The concept is vital in medicine, where penetration describes how medications enter the body and target areas.
In geology, it pertains to how fluids move through porous materials, impacting natural resource exploration.

Literature

In literature, penetration can symbolize deep understanding or insight into a character's emotions or motivations.
Many authors use penetration metaphorically to depict invasions of privacy or personal boundaries, enhancing themes of conflict.
Works like 'The Penetrable Forest' discuss the idea of exploring complex environments and the emotional resonance of intrusions.

Technology

In cybersecurity, penetration testing involves simulating attacks to find vulnerabilities within systems, enhancing security.
The term is used in computer graphics to describe how objects interact within designed environments, affecting visibility and realism.
In engineering, penetration testing of materials helps ensure structural integrity and safety in design.

Psychology

Penetration in psychological contexts often relates to establishing rapport or deeply connecting with another person.
It can also refer to intrusive thoughts that penetrate an individual’s mental space, causing distress or anxiety.
Therapeutic practices aim to help individuals manage intrusive penetrative thoughts through mindfulness and cognitive restructuring.

Translations

Translations of the word "penetration" in other languages:

🇵🇹 penetração

🇮🇳 प्रवेश

🇩🇪 Durchdringung

🇮🇩 penetrasi

🇺🇦 проникнення

🇵🇱 penetracja

🇯🇵 浸透

🇫🇷 pénétration

🇪🇸 penetración

🇹🇷 nüfuz

🇰🇷 침투

🇸🇦 اختراق

🇨🇿 pronikání

🇸🇰 prienik

🇨🇳 渗透

🇸🇮 penetracija

🇮🇸 innrás

🇰🇿 ену

🇬🇪 შეღწევა

🇦🇿 nüfuz

🇲🇽 penetración

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,951 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5948 boss
5949 logs
5950 deformation
5951 penetration
5952 angel
5953 adventure
5954 dismiss
...