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Pervading Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pervading

[pəˈveɪdɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

spiritual

Spreading through and affecting every part of something; omnipresent

Synonyms

all-encompassing, penetrating, ubiquitous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pervading

Use this word when referring to something that spreads through and is present in every part of a place or thing.

  • The smell of freshly baked bread was pervading the entire house
penetrating

Best used to describe something that enters or makes its way through something else, often with a sense of force or intensity.

  • The cold wind was penetrating through his thick coat
ubiquitous

This word describes something that seems to be present everywhere at the same time. It often carries a neutral or slightly negative connotation if something is overly common.

  • Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society
all-encompassing

This word is suitable when describing something that includes or covers everything or everyone.

  • Her all-encompassing love for her family was evident in every action she took

Examples of usage

  • The pervading sense of peace in the monastery was palpable.
  • His pervading presence in the room made everyone feel at ease.
Context #2 | Verb

negative

To spread through and be perceived in every part of something, often with a negative connotation

Synonyms

fill, infuse, permeate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pervading

Used to describe something that spreads throughout every part of a place or thing.

  • A sense of melancholy was pervading the atmosphere.
  • The smell of fresh bread was pervading the kitchen.
permeate

Used to describe something spreading or filtering through, typically in a gradual way.

  • The smell of smoke began to permeate the building.
  • Optimism permeated the community.
fill

Commonly used to describe putting a substance into an empty space until it is full.

  • She filled the glass with water.
  • The room was filled with people.
infuse

Used when introducing a new element or quality into something, often for adding flavor or energy.

  • She infused the tea with lemon and honey.
  • The coach's speech infused the team with confidence.

Examples of usage

  • The smell of smoke pervaded the room after the fire.
  • An air of tension pervaded the meeting.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, themes can be described as pervading a story, influencing characters and events significantly, as seen in classic works.
  • Poets often use imagery that feels pervading to evoke emotions that saturate the reader's senses and experience.

Science

  • In ecology, a pervading factor may be an environmental element that influences an entire ecosystem, like sunlight or humidity.
  • The concept is vital in physics, where forces such as gravity can be described as pervading all physical objects in a given area.

Psychology

  • In psychology, a pervading mood can affect the behaviors and interactions of individuals within a group, illustrating the power of atmosphere.
  • When anxiety is pervading in a situation, it can influence decision-making and reactions on a broader scale.

Pop Culture

  • In films, a pervading sense of nostalgia can significantly shape the audience's emotional connection to the story.
  • Certain songs can create a pervading atmosphere at social events, influencing the mood and interactions of those present.

Origin of 'pervading'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'pervadere,' meaning to 'go through' or 'to penetrate,' reflecting how something spreads through space.
  • It entered the English language in the early 15th century, denoting the act of filling or spreading out completely.

The word 'pervading' comes from the Latin word 'pervadere', which means 'to go through'. It has been used in English since the 17th century to describe something that spreads through and affects every part of something. Over time, it has evolved to encompass both positive and negative connotations, depending on the context in which it is used.

See also: pervasive.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,707, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.