Pervaded: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'pervadere', combining 'per' (through) and 'vadere' (to go), suggesting a sense of going through something.
• Initially used in English around the 16th century, the term reflected the idea of something that completely fills or surrounds.
• Cognate words in other languages, like 'pervadir' in Spanish, share similar meanings, showing its wide linguistic roots.

Literature

• In literature, pervasive themes can create a mood or atmosphere that influences the entire narrative.
• Authors often use pervaded imagery to evoke feelings, such as when a story's setting is imbued with darkness or light.
• Classic works frequently utilize this word to illustrate how emotions can spread within characters or settings.

Science

• In ecology, we discuss how toxins can pervade an ecosystem, affecting plants and animals throughout.
• A pervasive presence of a species in an environment can indicate its dominance and influence on other organisms.
• Chemicals can pervade materials, impacting their properties and interactions at a molecular level.

Cultural Insights

• In societal contexts, cultural norms can pervade behavior, shaping how communities interact and function.
• Pervasive technology such as smartphones has transformed communication, influencing nearly every aspect of modern life.
• Trends in art can also be described as pervading a certain period, reflecting the values and sentiments of that time.

Psychology

• Studying pervasive thoughts helps psychologists understand how certain beliefs can dominate a person's mindset.
• Pervasive anxiety refers to a constant, overwhelming feeling that may affect one's daily life and decisions.
• Emotional states can pervade our interactions, influencing how we connect with others and our environment.

With rank #17,173, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 17170 sighing
• 17171 sobriety
• 17172 skipper
• 17173 pervaded
• 17174 scruple
• 17175 pronouncing
• 17176 strangled
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