Pervasive: meaning, definitions and examples
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pervasive
[pərˈveɪsɪv ]
Definitions
widespread influence
Existing in or spreading through every part of something; prevalent.
Synonyms
prevalent, ubiquitous, universal, widespread.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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pervasive |
Used to describe something negative or unpleasant that is present throughout or widespread in an area or group of people.
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ubiquitous |
Describes something that seems to be everywhere at once, often used for neutral or positive meanings.
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prevalent |
Refers to something common or widespread at a particular time or in a particular place, often implying a trend or pattern.
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widespread |
Used to describe something that is spread over a large area or among many people, often neutral or slightly negative.
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universal |
Indicates something that is common to all people, places, or things, typically used to describe concepts, experiences, or truths.
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Examples of usage
- The pervasive smell of coffee in the office
- The pervasive nature of social media in today's society
negative connotation
Spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people, often in a negative way.
Synonyms
penetrating, pervading, rampant.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
pervasive |
Used to describe something that is widespread and present everywhere, often in a negative sense.
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rampant |
Used to describe something that is spreading quickly in an unchecked manner, typically having a strongly negative connotation.
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pervading |
Used to describe something that spreads throughout every part of something, typically referring to a less tangible quality or influence.
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penetrating |
Used to describe something that has the ability to enter deeply into something, either physically or metaphorically. Often used for sounds, smells, or insights.
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Examples of usage
- The pervasive corruption in the government
- The pervasive sense of fear in the community
Translations
Translations of the word "pervasive" in other languages:
🇵🇹 pervasivo
🇮🇳 व्यापक
🇩🇪 allgegenwärtig
🇮🇩 meluas
🇺🇦 всепроникаючий
🇵🇱 wszechobecny
🇯🇵 普及している (ふきゅうしている)
🇫🇷 omniprésent
🇪🇸 omnipresente
🇹🇷 yaygın
🇰🇷 널리 퍼진
🇸🇦 منتشر
🇨🇿 všudypřítomný
🇸🇰 všadeprítomný
🇨🇳 普遍的 (pǔbiàn de)
🇸🇮 vsesplošen
🇮🇸 útbreiddur
🇰🇿 кең таралған
🇬🇪 მიზანი
🇦🇿 yayılmış
🇲🇽 omnipresente
Etymology
The word 'pervasive' comes from the Latin word 'pervadere', which means 'to spread through'. It first appeared in English in the early 19th century. The concept of something being pervasive implies a sense of thoroughness and universality in its influence. The word is commonly used in various contexts to describe something that is widespread and all-encompassing.
See also: pervading.