Seeping: meaning, definitions and examples

💧

Add to dictionary

seeping

[ˈsiːpɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

slowly spreading

To seep means to flow or pass slowly through porous material or small holes. It can also refer to something slowly spreading or leaking out.

Synonyms

leak, ooze, trickle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
seeping	When a liquid slowly passes through small openings or cracks, usually over a longer period of time. Water was seeping through the walls after the heavy rain Oil was seeping from the old engine
ooze	When a thick, viscous liquid flows slowly and continuously. It may often suggest something unpleasant. Dark mud oozed up between our toes as we walked through the swamp The wound started to ooze pus, indicating an infection
trickle	When a liquid flows in a small, thin stream, usually from a source that is either drying up or only producing a small amount. A small stream of water trickled down the mountainside Sweat trickled down his forehead as he worked under the hot sun
leak	When a liquid or gas escapes unintentionally from a hole or crack in a container or structure. Often implies a need for repair. There is a leak in the roof, causing rainwater to drip inside The pipe has a leak and needs to be fixed immediately

Examples of usage

The water seeped through the crack in the wall.
The smell of coffee seeped into the room.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

liquid leakage

Seeping can also be used as a noun to describe the process or result of liquid slowly leaking or dripping out of something.

Synonyms

leakage, oozing, trickling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
seeping	When a liquid slowly moves through small holes or spaces, often without being noticed immediately. Typically used for gradual movements of liquids. Water was seeping through the walls after the heavy rain. Oil is seeping out of the engine.
oozing	A thicker or more viscous liquid slowly flowing out through a small opening. Often has a slightly negative or unpleasant connotation. Blood was oozing from the wound. The pipe was oozing a sticky substance.
trickling	A slow and thin flow of liquid, often in small quantities. Typically used for clear, light liquids. A small stream was trickling down the mountain. Sweat was trickling down his forehead.
leakage	A situation in which liquid or gas accidentally escapes from a container or system. Often used when referring to unwanted or harmful escaping. There was a gas leakage in the kitchen. The company faced a significant financial loss due to oil leakage.

Examples of usage

There was a seeping of oil from the engine.
The seeping of water from the pipe caused damage.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Old English 'sīepan', which means to drain or ooze.
In various languages, similar words convey the idea of gradual movement, like the Latin 'sēpere', meaning to seep.

Environmental Science

Seeping is crucial in nature; it helps plants absorb water from soil, which is vital for their growth.
In eco-systems, underground water can seep through rock layers, influencing the availability of water for various habitats.

Cultural References

In literature, seeping often symbolizes emotions trickling out, representing feelings that can’t be contained.
Movies sometimes show secrets seeping out, as characters struggle with hiding the truth, adding tension to the story.

Art and Literature

Artists use the concept of seeping in abstract art to express how emotions filter through layers of meaning.
Poets often describe feelings as seeping through cracks, illustrating vulnerability and the beauty of revealing one's true self.

Psychology

The term is used to describe how thoughts or memories can seep into our consciousness unexpectedly.
In therapy, emotions can seep into a session, revealing deep-seated issues that need to be addressed.

Translations

Translations of the word "seeping" in other languages:

🇵🇹 infiltração

🇮🇳 रिसाव

🇩🇪 sickernd

🇮🇩 merembes

🇺🇦 просочування

🇵🇱 przenikanie

🇯🇵 浸透

🇫🇷 infiltration

🇪🇸 filtración

🇹🇷 sızma

🇰🇷 스며들다

🇸🇦 تسرب

🇨🇿 prosakování

🇸🇰 presakovanie

🇨🇳 渗透

🇸🇮 pronicanje

🇮🇸 síast inn

🇰🇿 сіңу

🇬🇪 გადინება

🇦🇿 sızma

🇲🇽 filtración

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,104, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
24101 visor
24102 bearable
24103 subconsciously
24104 seeping
24105 plummeted
24106 compulsorily
24107 insanitary
...