Pervade Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pervade

[pษ™หˆveษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

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?

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Word Description / Examples
pervade

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.
permeate

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.
fill

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.
infiltrate

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.
imbue

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.
saturate

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.

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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 individualโ€™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.

Origin of 'pervade'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'pervade' originated from the Latin word 'pervadere', which means 'to go through'. It has been used in English since the 17th century, evolving from its Latin roots to convey the idea of spreading throughout or being present throughout something. The word has maintained its essence of permeation and saturation over the centuries, becoming a common term in the English language.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,591, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.