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Pervasiveness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pervasiveness

[pərˈveɪsɪvnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in society

The quality of being present throughout society or a particular area; widespread existence.

Synonyms

omnipresence, prevalence, ubiquity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pervasiveness

This word is used to describe something that is widely spread throughout an area or group, often implying a negative context, such as unwanted influence or a problem.

  • The pervasiveness of fake news on social media can affect public opinion.
  • There is a pervasiveness of corruption in the organization.
ubiquity

This word describes something that is found everywhere, but often with a neutral or slightly positive connotation.

  • The ubiquity of smartphones has changed the way we communicate.
  • The ubiquity of fast-food restaurants is astonishing.
prevalence

This word is typically used in statistical, medical, or research contexts to describe the commonness or widespread nature of a phenomenon, condition, or behavior.

  • The prevalence of diabetes has increased dramatically over the past decade.
  • Researchers studied the prevalence of smoking among teenagers.
omnipresence

This word often has a more formal or philosophical tone, describing something that seems to be present everywhere at the same time, often in a positive or neutral sense.

  • Many religions speak of the omnipresence of a higher power.
  • The omnipresence of technology in our lives is undeniable.

Examples of usage

  • The pervasiveness of social media in today's society is undeniable.
  • Corruption has reached such a level of pervasiveness that it affects all aspects of governance.
Context #2 | Noun

in technology

The extent to which a technology is present and dominant in a particular field or industry.

Synonyms

dominance, penetration, prevalence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pervasiveness

This word is best used to describe something that exists or spreads everywhere within a particular environment or area. It often implies something that is omnipresent.

  • The pervasiveness of digital technology in our daily lives is undeniable
penetration

This is typically used in business or technological contexts to describe the extent to which a product or technology has entered a market or been adopted by a population.

  • The penetration of smartphones in rural areas has increased significantly over the past decade
prevalence

This word is used to describe the widespread occurrence of something within a particular area or among a certain population.

  • The prevalence of hybrid work models has increased due to the pandemic
dominance

Use this word when referring to a situation where one entity has control over others or is the most powerful in a particular context. It generally has a slightly more aggressive connotation.

  • The dominance of large corporations in the market can sometimes stifle smaller businesses

Examples of usage

  • The pervasiveness of artificial intelligence in various industries is revolutionizing the way we work.
  • The pervasiveness of smartphones has changed the way we communicate and access information.
Context #3 | Noun

in culture

The widespread influence or impact of a cultural phenomenon or trend.

Synonyms

dominance, impact, influence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pervasiveness

Used to describe something that is widespread and present everywhere, often implying an underlying, spread-out presence.

  • The pervasiveness of the internet has transformed our daily lives.
  • The pervasiveness of smartphones has changed the way we communicate.
influence

Used to describe the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, without the use of force or direct authority.

  • The teacher's influence was evident in her students' enthusiasm for learning.
  • Social media has a powerful influence on public opinion.
impact

Used to describe the strong and noticeable effect or influence that something has on a situation, person, or environment.

  • The new policy had a significant impact on the company's performance.
  • Her speech left a lasting impact on the audience.
dominance

Used to describe the superior strength, control, or influence of one entity over others. This word often implies a power hierarchy.

  • The dominance of major corporations in the market is undeniable.
  • Lion prides are known for their social structures, where one lion maintains dominance over the others.

Examples of usage

  • The pervasiveness of Japanese anime in global pop culture is evident.
  • The pervasiveness of fast fashion has led to concerns about sustainability.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In social psychology, pervasiveness can refer to how widespread certain attitudes or behaviors are within a society.
  • The concept is crucial for understanding phenomena like peer pressure, where certain behaviors spread rapidly among groups.
  • Cognitive biases, such as the bandwagon effect, demonstrate how ideas can become pervasive as more people adopt them.

Technology

  • In the digital age, pervasiveness is often used to describe how technologies, like smartphones, integrate into daily life.
  • Social media platforms exhibit pervasiveness, influencing communication habits on a global scale.
  • The Internet of Things (IoT) exemplifies pervasiveness, as everyday objects become interconnected and share data.

Culture

  • Movies, music, and fashion trends often showcase themes or styles that have a pervasive influence across cultures.
  • The pervasive nature of advertising impacts consumer behavior, shaping preferences and social norms.
  • Cultural movements, such as minimalism, illustrate how specific ideas can spread widely and deeply influence lifestyles.

Environmental Science

  • In ecology, pervasiveness describes species that can thrive in various environments, like dandelions that grow almost everywhere.
  • Pollutants can display pervasiveness, affecting ecosystems on a large scale through air, water, and soil.
  • The idea of pervasive technology includes how advancements can impact environmental solutions, like smart agriculture.

Origin of 'pervasiveness'

Main points about word origin

  • The term stems from the Latin verb 'pervadere', which means 'to spread through'.
  • The prefix 'per-' often indicates through or thoroughly, while 'vadere' means to go.
  • The word has been in use since the early 20th century, gaining prominence in various fields of study.

The word 'pervasiveness' originated from the Latin word 'pervadere', which means 'to spread throughout'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century. The concept of pervasiveness has been explored in various fields such as sociology, technology, and culture, highlighting the extensive presence and impact of certain phenomena.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,711, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.