Pervade: meaning, definitions and examples
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pervade
[pəˈveɪd ]
Definition
to spread throughout
To pervade means to spread throughout or be present throughout something. It implies a sense of permeation or saturation.
Synonyms
fill, imbue, infiltrate, permeate, saturate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pervade |
Used when something, often intangible like a feeling or smell, spreads throughout every part of something.
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| permeate |
Refers to spreading through something, usually physically or tangibly such as liquid, smell, or influence.
|
| fill |
General term for occupying space or making something full. Can be used for both physical and abstract concepts.
|
| infiltrate |
Has a connotation of stealth or undesired penetration, often used in a negative or military-related context.
|
| imbue |
Implies deep influence or permeation, often with qualities, principles, or emotions.
|
| saturate |
To soak thoroughly or to the point of no more absorption. Often used in the context of liquids or markets.
|
Examples of usage
- The smell of fresh coffee pervaded the entire house.
- An air of tension pervaded the room as they waited for the results.
- The feeling of excitement pervaded the crowd at the concert.
- The sense of calm pervaded the atmosphere in the garden.
- The music pervaded every corner of the auditorium.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'pervadere', meaning 'to go through' or 'to pass through'.
- It entered the English language in the late 16th century, showing how influences crossed cultures and languages.
- Similar words, like 'invade', share this root, giving a hint of 'movement' through something.
Literature
- Many authors use it to describe themes that spread through their entire work, such as love or despair.
- Writers often describe the pervasive nature of societal issues, indicating how deeply they touch all aspects of life.
- In poetry, emotions can pervade the imagery, creating a strong atmosphere.
Psychology
- Psychological concepts can pervade our everyday thoughts, like anxiety affecting various parts of our day.
- Cultural norms often pervade an individual’s behavior and attitudes, showing the influence of society.
- The idea of pervasive thoughts is studied in cognitive therapies, focusing on how some thoughts can take over our minds.
Science
- In environmental science, certain chemicals can pervade through the soil and affect ecosystems.
- Sound waves can pervade through different mediums, showcasing the concept of propagation in physics.
- In biology, some bacteria can pervade tissues of living organisms, leading to infections.
Pop Culture
- Pervasive themes in movies often explore topics like love, conflict, and social justice, resonating with diverse audiences.
- In music, certain emotions, like sadness, can pervade a song, creating a connection with listeners.
- Trends on social media often pervade quickly, influencing how people communicate and relate.
Translations
Translations of the word "pervade" in other languages:
🇵🇹 permeio
🇮🇳 व्याप्त होना
🇩🇪 durchdringen
🇮🇩 menyebar
🇺🇦 пронизувати
🇵🇱 przenikać
🇯🇵 広がる
🇫🇷 imprégner
🇪🇸 impregnar
🇹🇷 yayılmak
🇰🇷 퍼지다
🇸🇦 ينتشر
🇨🇿 prostupovat
🇸🇰 preniknúť
🇨🇳 弥漫
🇸🇮 prežemati
🇮🇸 smjúga
🇰🇿 таралу
🇬🇪 გავრცელება
🇦🇿 yayılmaq
🇲🇽 impregnar