permeating

USAGE SUMMARY

Permeating is an English word and is perfectly usable in written English.
You can use the word permeating when referring to something spreading through some other object or substance. For example: The smell of freshly-baked cookies permeated the entire house.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I see Washington-style dysfunction, led by the Republicans in the state's House of Representatives, permeating state government in a much more pernicious way.

The Economist

One consequence of outsiders permeating Whitehall is about to bear fruit.

The Economist

For a fifth language is emerging as an alternative for communication across the country's linguistic fences: English.Although it is not yet often spoken in the village bakery, English is permeating Swiss society, and not just through global pop culture.

The Economist

It is a materialistic society with a flexible labour market; its citizens chart their lives on social media with more zeal than most all things that tend to contribute to a competitive, individualist mindset.As yet, there is little sign any of this is permeating mainstream politics.

The Economist

Mr Navalny's real offence, it is widely understood, is to challenge the rule of Vladimir Putin and to have exposed the staggering corruption permeating the Russian state and state-owned companies.Related topics The Kremlin Moscow Alexandr Solzhenitsyn Government and politics Russian politicsThe "last word" has become one of the most popular genres of political speech in Russia in recent years.

The Economist

Most Israeli Jews, he thinks, want a "soft Judaism", with Jewish values permeating the country rather than religious diktat ruling their lives.

The Economist

Widely known as a universal solvent, DMSO is highly effective at permeating the skin and delivering a drug to the vascular system.

The Economist

He has cautiously criticised Israel's treatment of the Palestinians and recently chided it for lacking "a Jewish sense of ethics permeating the great institutions of society".France, by contrast, has more Jews than anywhere else in western Europe, estimated at half to three-quarters of a million.

The Economist

Whereas Maistre's rigid, hierarchical conservatism has died out, Burke's more flexible brand is stronger than ever, permeating all political parties of the West that stress gradual, as opposed to radical or revolutionary, change.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After permeating the external membranes of these cells, the steroid interacts with a specific carrier protein in the cytoplasm.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Kegon school held as its ideal the recognition of a harmonious whole of all beings, all interrelated and interdependent, with the buddha Vairocana at the centre, permeating everything.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "permeating" when you want to convey that something is spreading throughout something else, influencing every part of it. It's a good choice when describing abstract concepts like ideas, feelings, or influences.

Common error

Avoid using "permeating" when a simpler word like "filling" or "spreading" would suffice. "Permeating" is best reserved for situations where the thoroughness of the spread is significant.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "permeating" is that of a present participle or gerund, often functioning as a verb modifying a noun to indicate something that is spreading or influencing throughout. As Ludwig AI suggests, the word is perfectly usable in written English and is commonly found modifying nouns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "permeating" functions as a verb, conveying the idea of something spreading throughout and influencing something else. Ludwig AI confirms it's correct and suitable for written English. Its usage spans from neutral to slightly formal contexts and frequently appears in news, encyclopedias, and scientific content. While versatile, it's best used when the thoroughness of the spread is significant. Consider alternatives like "saturating" or "pervading" for nuanced meanings. Remember to use "permeating" when emphasizing a thorough influence throughout something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

saturating

Emphasizes a thorough absorption or infusion, implying a complete filling of something.

pervading

Suggests a widespread presence or influence throughout an area or among a group of people.

infusing

Implies a gentle introduction or instillation of a quality or substance.

suffusing

Describes a gradual spreading of color, light, or emotion.

penetrating

Highlights the ability to pass into or through something, often with force or effort.

infiltrating

Suggests a subtle or gradual entry, often with a negative connotation of unwanted influence.

imbueing

Implies the act of inspiring or filling something with a particular feeling or quality.

spreading through

A more literal phrase, emphasizing the action of something extending across an area.

diffusing

Describes the scattering or dispersing of something widely.

filtering through

Suggests a gradual passing or seeping through something, often implying a selective process.

FAQs

How can I use "permeating" in a sentence?

Use "permeating" to describe something that spreads throughout something else. For example, "The smell of coffee was "permeating" the office."

What are some alternatives to "permeating"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "saturating", "pervading", or "infusing".

Is "permeating" a formal word?

"Permeating" is a versatile word suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, it's more common in writing than in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "permeating" and "spreading"?

"Permeating" implies a more thorough and pervasive spread than "spreading". "Spreading" can be superficial, while "permeating" suggests something is thoroughly infused.