pervasive
/pəˈveɪ.sɪv/Spreading through every part of something, so it is hard to avoid or ignore. Often describes problems, feelings, influences, or smells that reach into all corners of a place or situation.
- Social media has a pervasive influence on how young people see themselves.
- A pervasive smell of smoke filled every room in the building.
- Corruption was so pervasive that no one trusted the government.
Adinary Nuance
"Pervasive" focuses on depth of penetration — it implies something has seeped into every corner of a system, society, or space, not just spread widely. "Widespread" tells you coverage across a large area; "pervasive" tells you how thoroughly something has sunk in. "Prevalent" means very common at a point in time (used often for diseases or trends), while "ubiquitous" suggests something is impossible to escape, often with a wry or exaggerated tone. Choose "pervasive" when you want to stress that an influence, attitude, or problem has infiltrated every level — it is a stronger, more academic-sounding word and works especially well in IELTS and formal writing.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Lan rộng khắp nơi
- Spanish
- Generalizado
- Chinese
- 普遍的
- Japanese
- 蔓延している
- Korean
- 만연한
Etymology
From Latin "pervadere," meaning "to go through" — built from "per-" (through) and "vadere" (to go). The word entered English in the mid-18th century, initially in formal and literary use.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between 'pervasive' and 'widespread'?
- 'Widespread' describes how far something has spread across many places or people. 'Pervasive' goes a step further — it means something has penetrated deeply into every part of a situation or system. Think of 'widespread damage' (across a large area) versus 'pervasive fear' (fear that has soaked into every aspect of life).
- Is 'pervasive' a formal or informal word?
- 'Pervasive' is a formal word, common in academic, journalistic, and IELTS writing. It sounds natural in essays and reports but would be unusual in casual everyday conversation, where people tend to say 'everywhere' or 'all over the place' instead.
- Can 'pervasive' be used in a positive sentence?
- Yes, though it more often describes negative things like corruption, bias, or anxiety. You can use it positively — for example, 'a pervasive sense of optimism filled the team' — but check the context, as it naturally implies thoroughness that can feel overwhelming.
- Is 'pervasive' a good word to use in IELTS writing?
- Yes — 'pervasive' is a high-band vocabulary word that IELTS examiners recognise. It works well in Task 2 essays when discussing social issues, technology, or culture. Just use it accurately: it should describe something that has spread through a whole system or society, not just something common.