Definition

1. Verb (transitive and intransitive):
   • To spread or flow throughout; to pass through every part of something: To diffuse through a substance, area, or group, often gradually and thoroughly.
   • To penetrate or saturate: To enter and spread through something, filling its pores or interstices.

Usage

• As a transitive verb, "permeate" takes a direct object (e.g., ).
• As an intransitive verb, it is often followed by a preposition like "through," "into," or "among" (e.g., ).
• It describes a process that is typically passive, gradual, and comprehensive.

Examples

• Transitive use:
  • The smell of fresh coffee permeated the entire house.
  • A sense of optimism permeates her latest book.
• Intransitive use (with prepositions):
  • Water can easily permeate through this fabric.
  • New cultural trends slowly permeated into the rural areas.

Advanced Usage

• "to be permeated with/by something": To be thoroughly filled or saturated with a particular quality, feeling, or substance.
  • The old letters were permeated with a sense of nostalgia.
  • The administration is permeated by corruption.
• Used in scientific or technical contexts to describe diffusion or osmosis.
  • The membrane allows certain ions to permeate it.

Variants and Related Words

• Permeation (noun): The process of spreading through or penetrating something.
  • The permeation of technology into daily life is rapid.
• Permeable (adjective): Allowing liquids or gases to pass through.
  • Sandstone is a permeable rock.
• Impermeable (adjective): Not allowing fluid to pass through.
  • The coat is made from an impermeable material.

Synonyms

• Pervade: To spread through and be perceived in every part of something (often abstract, like a feeling).
• Saturate: To soak thoroughly, or to fill completely to capacity.
• Imbue: To inspire or permeate with a feeling or quality.
• Infuse: To fill; to instill (a quality) into something.

Phrasal Verbs / Common Constructions

• Permeate through: To spread or pass through a barrier or medium.
  • Sunlight permeated through the dense canopy of leaves.
• Permeate into: To spread and enter a place, group, or system.
  • Western fashion has permeated into global markets.

Related Idioms / Phrases

• While there are no common idioms using "permeate" as the core word, the concept is often expressed in phrases like:
  • To run through: To be present throughout (e.g., A theme of redemption runs through the novel).
  • To be steeped in: To be thoroughly permeated with a quality or influence (e.g., The city is steeped in history).

Verb

1. penetrate mutually or be interlocked
   • The territories of two married people interpenetrate a lot
2. pass through
   • Water permeates sand easily
3. spread or diffuse through
   • An atmosphere of distrust has permeated this administration
   • music penetrated the entire building
   • His campaign was riddled with accusations and personal attacks