Is permeate formal or informal?

It is fairly formal and common in writing, especially academic or descriptive writing.

What is the difference between permeate and spread?

Spread means move over a wider area. Permeate means go through something deeply and completely.

Can I use permeate for feelings or ideas?

Yes. You can say fear, joy, anger, or a belief permeates a group or place.

Do people use permeate in everyday English?

Yes, but it is more common in written English than in casual speech.

← Dictionary

permeate

/ˈpɜː.mi.eɪt/

IELTSAcademic

verb

To spread through something slowly and completely. A liquid, smell, light, or feeling can permeate a place or material.

The smell of coffee permeated the room.
Fear permeated the entire office.
Water permeated the soil after the rain.

Adinary Nuance

Permeate is stronger and more complete than spread or pass through. It suggests something enters every part, not just the surface. Writers use it for smells, liquids, ideas, and feelings when they fill a place or group.

In other languages

Vietnamese: thấm qua
Spanish: permeate
Chinese: 渗透
Japanese: 浸透する
Korean: 스며들다

Etymology

Permeate comes from Latin permeare, meaning 'to pass through'. It entered English in the 16th century and kept the idea of something spreading through fully.

Common phrases

permeate the airpermeate every levelpermeate throughpermeate society

Synonyms

saturate filter through seep spread

Related words

absorb penetrate diffuse spread

Frequently asked questions

Is permeate formal or informal?: It is fairly formal and common in writing, especially academic or descriptive writing.
What is the difference between permeate and spread?: Spread means move over a wider area. Permeate means go through something deeply and completely.
Can I use permeate for feelings or ideas?: Yes. You can say fear, joy, anger, or a belief permeates a group or place.
Do people use permeate in everyday English?: Yes, but it is more common in written English than in casual speech.