pervade

USAGE SUMMARY

"pervade" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the presence or effect of something that is felt or experienced throughout a certain area or situation. For example, "The smell of smoke pervaded the air after the fire."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The official summary report made public as a letter in April used much milder language to express concerns about HSBC's processes, stating "in certain instances the monitor believes that HSBC Group's progress has been too slow", adding that in some areas the bank's "historical cultural deficiencies continue to pervade its operations today".

The Guardian - Business

And, as with Beethoven at his most emphatic, percussive accents pervade the orchestration.

The Guardian - Music

Trade was so vital the Bank of England had a weathervane on its roof to aid decision making.Trade is just as important today, not least because arguments about it pervade the heated debate about Britain's EU membership (see Bagehot).

The Economist

Paradoxically, Dr Jenkins and Dr Fischbach think this might change with the help of neutrinos, the ethereal particles which pervade the universe but rarely interact with anything and themselves a cause of much head-scratching among physicists.Neutrinos are a byproduct of the nuclear fusion which powers the sun.

The Economist

He has abolished a few of the many petty restrictions that pervade Cubans' lives.

The Economist

But cronyism and crookedness pervade the lower and middle levels of the movement, and even the highest dignitaries show a tendency to confuse the party's interests with those of the state.

The Economist

These feelings pervade "A Passage to India", a novel about racial divides which turns on an accusation by an English woman that her Indian guide attacked her in a cave.

The Economist

The lobby's "Divided We Fail" advertisements pervade television news networks; volunteers in "Divided We Fail" T-shirts are a staple of any campaign rally.

The Economist

If that turns out to be true elsewhere, it makes galaxy formation harder to explain.Having a double ring could also help explain dark energy, a mysterious force that is thought to pervade the universe, causing its expansion to accelerate.

The Economist

The area has many of the same fast-food and retail chains that pervade the United States, and companies from the mainland, such as Hewlett-Packard and Micron Technology, have built factories nearby.

The Economist

The whole episode reminded investors that after years of sloppy management and exuberant lending, Vietnam's banks are in dire shape; and that corruption and waste pervade the economy.This was never a secret, but during the boom years in the middle of the past decade, when the economy was growing by 8% a year and foreign investment was pouring in, nobody much cared.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pervade" when you want to emphasize the widespread and all-encompassing nature of something, be it an idea, feeling, or physical substance.

Common error

Avoid using "pervade" in contexts where simpler words like "fill" or "spread" would suffice. "Pervade" is most effective when conveying a sense of thoroughness and pervasiveness.

Linguistic Context

Pervade primarily functions as a verb. It describes the action of something spreading throughout or being present in every part of something else. Ludwig AI indicates this aligns with standard grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pervade" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb that signifies a widespread presence or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct in written English. It is commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When writing, use "pervade" to underscore the thorough and all-encompassing nature of something. Related terms include "permeate", "imbue", and "suffuse". Be mindful of the nuance each word brings to make the most effective choice. Avoid overuse in simple contexts where more common verbs would be suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permeate

Focuses on the ability to pass through or penetrate something.

saturate

Suggests a thorough soaking or impregnation, often to the point of excess.

infuse

Implies introducing a quality or element that becomes an integral part.

imbue

Suggests filling something with a particular quality or feeling.

suffuse

Emphasizes a gradual spreading of color, light, or feeling.

penetrate

Highlights the action of entering or piercing something.

infiltrate

Implies entering gradually or secretly, often with a negative connotation.

overspread

Suggests covering the entire surface of something.

extend throughout

Focuses on the reach of something across a certain area.

be rife with

Indicates an abundance of something, often undesirable.

FAQs

How can I use "pervade" in a sentence?

"Pervade" means to spread throughout or be present in every part of something. For example, "A sense of unease pervaded the room" or "The principles of sustainability pervade their business practices".

What words are similar to "pervade"?

Similar words include "permeate", "imbue", "suffuse", and "saturate". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "pervade" and "permeate"?

While both suggest spreading throughout, "pervade" emphasizes being present everywhere, while "permeate" focuses on the ability to pass through or penetrate something. For example, "The smell of baking bread pervaded the house," versus "The rain permeated the soil."

Is it correct to say that a feeling can "pervade" a space?

Yes, it is correct. "Pervade" is often used to describe how a feeling, atmosphere, or idea can spread throughout a space or environment, influencing those within it.