Permeate: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when describing something spreading throughout a substance or space, often involving liquids or gases.

• The smell of freshly baked bread permeated the entire house
• Water can permeate through the soil

Used when describing something, especially a feeling or quality, that is present and noticeable throughout a place or thing.

• A sense of calm pervaded the room
• The fragrance of the flowers pervaded the garden

Used when describing something breaking through a barrier or entering something with some difficulty, often involving physical or metaphorical barriers.

• The bullet could not penetrate the thick wall
• Her words managed to penetrate his tough exterior, making him reconsider his actions

Used when something spreads or diffuses through every part of a substance or space. Often used in a figurative sense.

• The smell of baking bread permeated the entire house.
• Happiness seemed to permeate the atmosphere at the festival.

Used when something is completely soaked or filled with as much of a substance as it can hold, often involving liquids.

• Heavy rain saturated the soil.
• The market is saturated with similar products.

Used when something is placed in liquid to become thoroughly wet, often implying immersion for a period of time.

• She let her clothes soak in the water before washing them.
• He enjoys soaking in a hot bath after a long day.

Used when something takes in or assimilates a substance, typically allowing it to disappear or spread evenly within. Can be used both literally and figuratively.

• The sponge quickly absorbed the spilled milk.
• She absorbed all the information from the lecture.