pervasive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'pervasive' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means “permeating or spread throughout every part of something”. For example, "A pervasive sense of dread hung over the audience as they watched the horror movie."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Above all, in Baghdad there was a pervasive air of deskbound caution, buck-passing, and ass-covering, in contrast with the Wild West atmosphere that broke out, for better and for worse, in Saigon in April of 1975.

The Economist

Refugee advocates said the substandard conditions in PNG's Manus Island detention centre, the very high crime rates in the country and "daily pervasive human rights abuses" were evidence the new arrangements contravened Australia's basic obligations to help refugees who come here.

The Guardian

He describes the latter as "an incurious 'presentism' – combining a lack of historical sense, a pervasive contempt for the wisdom of the past, a fascination with novelty simply because it is new and a propensity to over-react to every ephemeral focus group finding or tabloid whim".

The Guardian - Opinion

The pervasive collective acts like the firemen of urban futurism.

The Guardian - Tech

Says Lushington: "The story had a pervasive humour that lowers our defences while it draws us in.

The Guardian - Film

The "new world order" heralded after the end of the cold war betrays everywhere, in Clifford Geertz's words, a "pervasive raggedness".

The Guardian - Opinion

We begin where the leaders are determined not to end, with the question of whether any form of democratic self-government, anywhere, is consistent with the kind of massive, pervasive surveillance into which the United States government has led not only its people but the world.

The Guardian - Tech

Reducing these substances may be easier than cutting emissions of carbon dioxide, which is so pervasive because the vast majority of our energy still comes from burning fossil fuels – as delegates at the talks have been continually reminded by their location in Qatar, one of the world's biggest producers of natural gas.

The Guardian

Rouhani has repeatedly spoken out against pervasive online censorship in the country (Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are all blocked) and has advocated free access to information – but he is not the sole decision-maker in Iran.

The Guardian - Tech

Pervasive corruption and mismanagement fostered political and economic instability until 2003, when a former justice minister, Mikheil Saakashvili, led an uprising known as the Rose revolution.

The Guardian

Then, at the opening of the 21st century, a US administration that will go down in history for its tendency to think last and shoot first bought – hook, line and sinker – the entire "denying sanctuary", pervasive surveillance, "total information awareness" scheme.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like feelings or trends, "pervasive" effectively conveys a sense of widespread presence. For example, "There's a pervasive sense of anxiety in the workplace."

Common error

While "pervasive" is a useful adjective, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "widespread" or "common" when speaking or writing informally.

Linguistic Context

Pervasive functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate something is widespread or permeates throughout. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. For example, "pervasive corruption" indicates that corruption is not isolated but exists throughout a system.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "pervasive" is used to describe something that is widespread and affects many things, playing a descriptive role. Ludwig AI confirms it is correctly used in English. It is often found in news, business, and scientific contexts, indicating its versatility across various registers. While effective, alternatives like "widespread" or "ubiquitous" can provide nuance depending on the specific context. Understanding its typical usage helps writers accurately convey the extent to which something is present or felt.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widespread

This alternative is a more common and straightforward synonym for "pervasive".

ubiquitous

This alternative indicates that something is present everywhere, often implying a very high frequency.

prevalent

This alternative denotes something that is common or widespread in a particular area or time.

rampant

This alternative suggests something is spreading uncontrollably and is often used for negative phenomena.

permeating

This alternative emphasizes the way something spreads or filters through something else.

penetrating

This alternative implies entering or affecting something deeply and thoroughly.

all-encompassing

This alternative suggests that something covers or includes everything.

far-reaching

This alternative indicates something that has significant and extensive effects.

extensive

This alternative describes something that covers a large area or scope.

general

This alternative indicates something that is widespread or affects many people or things.

FAQs

How to use "pervasive" in a sentence?

"Pervasive" is an adjective that describes something present or noticeable everywhere. For instance, "The internet has a "pervasive influence" on modern life".

What can I say instead of "pervasive"?

You can use alternatives like "widespread", "ubiquitous", or "prevalent" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "pervasive influence" or "intensive influence"?

"Pervasive influence" is generally more appropriate when describing something that is spread widely. "Intensive influence" describes something that is highly concentrated. Choose based on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "pervasive" and "prevalent"?

"Pervasive" suggests something is spread throughout every part, whereas "prevalent" indicates something is common in a particular area or time. Therefore, the scale is different.