Permeate
/ˈpɜːrmieɪt/
verbB2
Definition
To permeate means to go through something completely or to spread inside it so that it fills or affects all parts. This can be about physical things like water moving through a cloth, or invisible things like an idea or feeling spreading through a group of people.
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See It in Action
To spread or flow through something physical
- •The smell of fresh bread permeated the kitchen.
- •Water permeates the soil to help plants grow.
- •The light permeated the dark room through the small window.
To spread through ideas, feelings, or influence
- •A sense of excitement permeated the crowd before the concert.
- •Corruption seemed to permeate the government at every level.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "permeate" like "go through," but it means moving inside all parts, not just passing by
- ✓Picture a strong smell from cooking spreading through a whole house, reaching every room
- ✓It's the feeling when something invisible, like hope or fear, fills a whole group of people quietly but deeply
- ✓Sounds like "PER-me-ate" → imagine a PER for "perfect" and ME "me," and ATE like eating—something eating its way through completely inside
- ✓Think of tea leaves in hot water: the flavor slowly moves everywhere in the cup, not just on the surface
- ✓NOT like "touch" (only surface contact), "permeate" means going inside and filling all parts
- ✓NOT like "pass" (quick movement), "permeate" is slow and deep spreading
- ✓NOT like "spill" (outside and uncontrolled), "permeate" is often natural and complete filling
Try Other Words
- •Penetrate: to enter or pass through something (Use when focusing on going inside or through a surface)
- •Infuse: to fill or soak with a quality or feeling (Use when describing ideas or feelings filling something gently)
- •Spread: to move or extend over an area (Use when focusing on surface or general movement)
Unboxing
- •Prefix: "per-" meaning "through" or "completely"
- •Root: "meate" from Latin "meare" meaning "to go" or "to pass"
- •Etymology: From Latin "permeare," meaning to pass through or penetrate
- •Historical development: Used since the 1600s in English to describe liquids or smells passing through materials
- •Modern usage: Used for physical substances, smells, ideas, feelings, or influence moving through or filling spaces or groups
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when a feeling or idea permeated a group you were part of? How did it affect everyone?
•How is permeating different from just touching or passing by something? Why does this difference matter?
Fill in the blanks
1.The smell of coffee ___ the entire room, making everyone feel awake and happy.
2.When rainwater ___ the ground, it helps plants get the water they need.
3.Fear can ___ a crowd quietly, changing how people act without words.
4.Unlike a quick splash, to ___ means the liquid or feeling moves ___ every part.
5.The idea of teamwork ___ the company culture, so everyone works together well.
6.Light can ___ through thin curtains, making the room bright but soft.
7.When a problem ___ an organization, it means the issue is present ___ all levels.