Pervade: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when something, often intangible like a feeling or smell, spreads throughout every part of something.

• A sense of anticipation pervaded the air.
• The smell of freshly baked cookies pervaded the house.

Refers to spreading through something, usually physically or tangibly such as liquid, smell, or influence.

• The smell of garlic permeated the kitchen.
• Corruption had permeated every level of government.

General term for occupying space or making something full. Can be used for both physical and abstract concepts.

• She filled the glass with water.
• His heart filled with joy.

Has a connotation of stealth or undesired penetration, often used in a negative or military-related context.

• Spies managed to infiltrate the enemy's headquarters.
• The malware infiltrated the system without detection.

Implies deep influence or permeation, often with qualities, principles, or emotions.

• The teacher's lessons imbued the students with a love for science.
• Her writing is imbued with a sense of nostalgia.

To soak thoroughly or to the point of no more absorption. Often used in the context of liquids or markets.

• The sponge was saturated with water.
• The market was saturated with similar products.