Pervading: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "pervading" in other languages:

🇵🇹 penetrante

🇮🇳 व्याप्त

🇩🇪 durchdringend

🇮🇩 menyeluruh

🇺🇦 проникаючий

🇵🇱 przenikający

🇯🇵 浸透する

🇫🇷 pénétrant

🇪🇸 penetrante

🇹🇷 nüfuz eden

🇰🇷 퍼지는

🇸🇦 منتشر

🇨🇿 prostupující

🇸🇰 prenikajúci

🇨🇳 弥漫

🇸🇮 prodirajoč

🇮🇸 síast

🇰🇿 жаппай таралған

🇬🇪 გამოწელილი

🇦🇿 yayılmış

🇲🇽 penetrante

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.