Permeate Meaning
/ˈpɜːmiˌeɪt/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
verbTo pass through the pores or interstices of; to penetrate and pass through without causing rupture or displacement; applied especially to fluids which pass through substances of loose texture
verbTo enter and spread through; to pervade.
Sentence Examples
The world of dreams is a set of stages where virtual realities permeate one another.
Corruption and red tape continue to permeate the business environment.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The sweet smell of fresh bread began to ____ the whole kitchen quickly.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The smell of fresh bread began to ____ every corner of the house as it baked in the oven.
Word Origin & History
First attested in 1656; borrowed from Latin permeātus, perfect passive participle of permeō (“to pass through”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (noun-forming suffix).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"In the fulness of time there was an eruption of the merry-makers to the sidewalk. The uninvited guests enveloped and permeated them, and upon the night air rose joyous cries, congratulations, laughter and unclassified noises born of McGary's oblations to the hymeneal scene."
— 1906 April, O. Henry [pseudonym; William Sydney Porter], “From the Cabby’s Seat”, in The Four Million, New York, N.Y.: McClure, Phillips & Co, →OCLC, page 165:
"The old smell of dead whale permeates everything. It is a strange and curious place."
— 1922 January 4, William Shackleton, Shackleton's diaries:
"Also, much depended on an exceptional esprit de corps which permeated the whole staff, and achieved miracles of promptitude in such details as engine-changing and the marshalling of trains."
— 1946 May and June, J. Alan Rannie, “The Midland of 35 Years Ago”, in Railway Magazine, page 135:
"The do-or-die mentality gambaru permeates Japanese society, where the pursuit of a goal can carry more significance than the outcome."
— 2020 August 24, Kaori Enjoji, “‘Do or die’ mentality brings Japanese PM Shinzo Abe to the brink”, in CNN, archived from the original on 23 May 2025:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The sweet smell of fresh bread began to ____ the whole kitchen quickly.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The smell of fresh bread began to ____ every corner of the house as it baked in the oven.