English vocabulary · C1
Permeate
/ˈpɝːmiˌeɪt/ · v.
Permeate means to spread through every part of something. A smell, liquid, light, or feeling slowly moves inside and fills the whole space.
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Example sentences
- Smoke permeated the empty hallway.
- Fear permeated the whole team.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- per — through (from Latin)
- meare — pass (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- SEEP — move through tiny openings (Enter Slowly)
- PERVADE — be present everywhere (Spread Widely)
- PENETRATE — enter through a surface (Go Inside)
Similar words
- seep
- pervade
- penetrate
- diffuse
- saturate
Lesson notes
Permeate means to spread through every part of something. A smell, liquid, light, or feeling slowly moves inside and fills the whole space.
Related: Seep, Pervade, Penetrate. Use permeate when something fills a whole space.
Smoke permeated the empty hallway. Fear permeated the whole team.
From Latin. Per means through. Meare means pass. Latin permeare led to English permeate.