permeates

USAGE SUMMARY

'permeates' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to describe something that spreads or enters throughout something else. For example, "The smell of freshly baked cookies permeates the entire house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Plainly put, his influence permeates Alien.

The Guardian - Film

To achieve this goal he is relying on business acumen, rather than on the quasi-religious faith that permeates much of the open-source movement.

The Economist

His view that fundamental physics could be gleaned from elegant mathematics now permeates a whole field of inquiry into the reality of nature, string theory.The European academic environment in which quantum mechanics sprouted was torn apart by the political turmoil that led to the second world war.

The Economist

An unresolved longing to recapture that moment permeates both their lives, and the will-they-won't-they question overshadows the whole book.Herein lies the conundrum of "1Q84".

The Economist

In his speech, Raúl Castro claimed that "lack of respect" for the government and the Communist Party permeates the industry.

The Economist

As Andrei Kostin, head of VTB, one of the largest state banks, half-joked recently, "A healthy budget for me is one that injects large amounts of money particularly in December into the banking system, which then permeates warmly and pleasantly like beer after a hangover through the entire banking system .Disposable income grew twice as fast as the economy in the 2000s, and so did consumption.

The Economist

Ideology also permeates the argument about how far Europe's new central bank should submit to political control.

The Economist

Massive corruption permeates just about every state institution.

The Economist

This unlikely trio will be up against the powerful, coherent corporate cultures of IBM and Microsoft.Culture permeates a company, and differences can poison any collaboration.

The Economist

For exchanges like the above to take place, there has to be a suitable climate, both political and cultural, that permeates the domestic and international scene.

The Economist

An official with an international agency says this type of difficulty permeates Vietnam's economy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "permeates" when you want to emphasize the thorough and pervasive nature of something spreading or influencing throughout an area or system. Ensure the subject is something that can logically and naturally spread such as an idea, scent or influence.

Common error

Avoid using "permeates" when a simpler verb like "affects" or "influences" would suffice. Overusing sophisticated vocabulary can make your writing sound pretentious. Ensure that "permeates" accurately conveys the idea of thorough and pervasive spreading.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "permeates" is as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense of "permeate". It describes the action of something spreading throughout or pervading an area or substance. Ludwig provides examples illustrating this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "permeates" is a verb used to describe something that spreads throughout something else, often implying a thorough and pervasive presence. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts, reflecting its formal tone. When using "permeates", consider alternatives like "pervades" or "infuses" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Avoid overuse and ensure accurate conveyance of the idea of thorough spreading. The word is generally appropriate for formal and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pervades

Refers to spreading throughout something, often in an intangible way like a feeling or atmosphere. Slightly more formal.

infuses

Implies introducing a quality or element into something, often to enrich or enhance it.

suffuses

Suggests gradually spreading through or over something, often a color or light.

imbues

Means to inspire or fill with a particular feeling or quality; often used in a figurative sense.

saturates

Implies filling something completely, often to the point where no more can be absorbed or added.

penetrates

Means to pass into or through, often implying a physical entry or effect.

infiltrates

Suggests entering or gaining access surreptitiously or gradually.

extends through

Highlights the spatial reach or coverage throughout an area or medium.

is diffused throughout

Emphasizes the even distribution of something within a space or substance.

courses through

Suggests a flowing or dynamic movement throughout something.

FAQs

How can I use "permeates" in a sentence?

You can use "permeates" to describe something that spreads or influences throughout something else. For instance, "The smell of coffee permeates the office" or "A sense of unease permeates the community".

What's the difference between "pervades" and "permeates"?

"Permeates" suggests a more thorough and penetrative spreading, while "pervades" indicates a more general presence throughout. "Permeates" often implies a physical or tangible spreading, while "pervades" can be more abstract.

What are some alternatives to using "permeates" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "pervades", "infuses", or "suffuses". Choose the word that best captures the specific sense of spreading or influence you want to convey.

Is "permeates" formal or informal?

"Permeates" is generally considered a formal word, suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. In more casual settings, simpler words like "spreads through" might be more appropriate.