permeate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "permeate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has spread through or been absorbed into something else like a liquid or gas. For example, "The smell of garlic permeated the kitchen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yes, it is principally about the soil, its fertility and the lack of chemicals and pesticides used, but it's also about "the unseen forces and energies of life and growth that permeate all living things".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As intelligent behaviour starts to permeate our increasingly connected domestic technology and the potential for those devices to become socially aware starts to filter into our world, a raft of new opportunities and challenges open up.

The Guardian

The principle must embrace and permeate everything.

The Economist

As well as GOTO, the new curriculum includes three "integrative topics" that permeate all the other MBA subjects.

The Economist

"THIS year is not the first time in history that a certain political and even authoritarian atmosphere has been allowed to permeate the scene at the Olympic games".

The Economist

Democratic values and gender-equality permeate the curriculum.

The Economist

Spend time with Mr Ovshinsky and his employees, and it becomes plain that his social values permeate his organisation.But what lifts Mr Ovshinsky into the league of genius inventors is something rather less common: success.

The Economist

In 2010's election the Freedom Party took 15% of the vote, giving it a kingmaker position in parliament.Mr Wilders's message has begun to permeate mainstream politics.

The Economist

In a decisive electoral reaction against the culture of graft and bribery that came to permeate every level of Kenyan society under his predecessor, Daniel arap Moi, Mr Kibaki won his mandate on an anti-corruption platform.

The Economist

Next, the field is switched off, allowing actual cosmic rays to permeate the chamber for a while.

The Economist

If web services take off, they will form a giant array of electronic offerings that will permeate every aspect of modern life.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "permeate" to describe how ideas, influences, or substances gradually spread throughout something, affecting every part of it. For example, use it to describe the spread of a new management style through a company or the scent of spices through a kitchen.

Common error

Avoid using "permeate" when a more specific word like "penetrate", "infuse", or "pervade" would be more accurate. "Permeate" implies a gradual and widespread diffusion, so choose a different word if the action is forceful, deliberate, or localized.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "permeate" is as a verb. It describes the action of a substance or influence spreading throughout something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage as depicted in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "permeate" functions as a verb indicating the gradual spread or diffusion of something throughout a space or context. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and versatile, spanning from news and media to encyclopedic and scientific texts. The related phrases, such as "pervade" and "imbue", offer nuanced alternatives depending on the desired emphasis. Remember to use "permeate" when describing a gradual, widespread diffusion, avoiding confusion with words that imply forceful entry or localized action. With its common occurrence and clear meaning, mastering the use of "permeate" can significantly enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pervade

Refers to spreading widely throughout an area or group of people, often implying a more pervasive and noticeable presence than "permeate".

imbue

Implies filling something with a particular quality, feeling, or idea, suggesting a deeper influence than simply "permeate".

infiltrate

Suggests gradually entering or gaining access to something, often in a subtle or secretive way, whereas "permeate" can be more open.

saturate

Indicates filling something completely to the point where no more can be absorbed, implying a higher degree of intensity than "permeate".

suffuse

Describes gently spreading through or over something, often referring to light, color, or emotion, suggesting a lighter touch than "permeate".

infuse

Means to fill or instill, often with a particular quality or idea, suggesting a deliberate act of introduction, unlike the more passive "permeate".

penetrate

Refers to piercing or entering something, often with force, implying a more direct and forceful action than "permeate".

diffuse

Implies spreading out over a wide area, often becoming less concentrated or intense, unlike "permeate", which doesn't necessarily imply dilution.

filter through

Suggests passing through something gradually, often implying a process of refinement or selection, which is absent in "permeate".

spread throughout

Emphasizes the extent of distribution within something, highlighting complete coverage in a way that “permeate” suggests less directly.

FAQs

How can I use "permeate" in a sentence?

Use "permeate" to describe how something spreads throughout something else. For instance, "The aroma of coffee began to permeate the office", or "A sense of unease began to permeate the community".

What words can I use instead of "permeate"?

You can use alternatives like "pervade", "imbue", or "infiltrate", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "permeate" and "penetrate"?

"Permeate" suggests a gradual spreading throughout, whereas "penetrate" implies a forceful entry. For example, smoke can permeate a room, but a bullet penetrates a wall.

How does "permeate" differ from "suffuse"?

"Suffuse" typically describes a gentle spreading, often referring to light, color, or emotion. In contrast, "permeate" is more general and applies to the gradual diffusion of various substances or influences. You might say "a warm glow suffused the landscape", but "a new philosophy permeated the organization".