percolate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "percolate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of a liquid filtering through a porous substance or, metaphorically, to indicate the gradual spread or development of an idea or thought. Example: "The new policy will take some time to percolate through the organization before everyone fully understands its implications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet one measure will seize the headlines and percolate through to voters: the decision to cut the top rate of tax for the very richest.

The Guardian - Opinion

Just keeping a lid on things, as oil revenues grow and begin to percolate downwards, may be a realistic ambition for a country divided internally and surrounded by strife.

The Economist

That looks like a poor deal for the Angolan people.In Angola accusations of personal enrichment percolate up towards the top of the state structure.

The Economist

As gizmos become smaller and cheaper and they invariably do they are then able to percolate from the soldier on the battlefield to the man in the street.But lately some kinds of technology have been moving in the other direction, too.

The Economist

This is not known to have happened; but it probably has, where well-shafts passing through aquifers have been poorly sealed.Another worry is that fracking fluids regurgitated up well-shafts might percolate into groundwater.

The Economist

The lipid shells are deposited directly in the lungs and percolate into deeper regions of the tumour which lack oxygen.

The Economist

Mr Clinton says it needs time for the idea to percolate, among both nations.

The Economist

Nicknamed the "express train", it is one of a few vehicles trusted to carry ideas directly to the desks of President Xi Jinping and his colleagues on the Politburo.As the task of governing China has become more complex, so too has the question of how ideas percolate and filter to the top.

The Economist

As Keynes pointed out, the economists who most influence practical men of action are the defunct ones whose scribblings have had time to percolate from the seminar room to wider conversations.These basic models are also influential because of their simplicity.

The Economist

Five years later the disastrous People's Communes that Mao had foisted on peasants were formally scrapped.Already in some places, the introduction of direct elections for village chief is causing democracy to percolate into party organs too.

The Economist

Here are five tidbits of trivia to ponder as you percolate.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "percolate" to describe the gradual spread of ideas, influences, or liquids through a substance or system. Ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of gradual dissemination or filtration.

Common error

Avoid using "percolate" when the flow is clearly unidirectional without any element of spreading or permeation. For instance, it would be incorrect to say "Information percolated to the CEO" if it was delivered directly, without filtering through other levels.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "percolate" is as a verb. It is used to describe the process of a liquid filtering through a porous substance, or, metaphorically, the gradual spread or dissemination of an idea or influence. As confirmed by Ludwig, the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "percolate" is a versatile verb that describes the gradual spread or filtering of something, whether it's a liquid or an idea. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as encyclopedic content, and maintains a neutral to formal tone. While alternatives like "filter through" or "seep through" can be used, "percolate" uniquely captures the sense of slow, natural dissemination. Be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning. Avoid using it when describing a unidirectional flow without spreading or permeation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permeate

Indicates a thorough and pervasive spread throughout something.

filter through

Implies a more direct and physical process of passing through a substance.

seep through

Suggests a slow and gradual penetration or spread.

spread gradually

Highlights the slow and incremental nature of dissemination.

diffuse through

Emphasizes the widespread and even distribution of something.

penetrate

Implies a forceful entry or effect.

trickle down

Specifically refers to the gradual descent or spread from top to bottom.

infiltrate

Suggests a subtle or covert entry and spread.

become known

Focuses on the result of something becoming widely recognized or understood.

gain acceptance

Emphasizes the process of an idea or concept being adopted.

FAQs

How can I use "percolate" in a sentence?

You can use "percolate" to describe the gradual spread of ideas, like: "The new policy will take some time to "percolate" through the organization." Or to describe a liquid filtering through something.

What are some alternatives to the word "percolate"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "filter through", "seep through", or "diffuse through".

Which is correct: "ideas percolate through the system" or "ideas permeate the system"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Percolate" suggests a gradual and uneven spread, while "permeate" implies a more thorough and pervasive spread.

What's the difference between "percolate" and "trickle down"?

"Percolate" describes a general spreading or filtering, whereas "trickle down" specifically refers to a gradual descent from top to bottom, often used in economic or social contexts.