permeate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈpɜːr.mi.eɪt/
KK: /ˈpɜrmiˌeɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To spread or pass through something, often in a way that affects the entire area.
Example
The smell of fresh bread began to permeate the room.
Tense Forms
Past: permeated
Past Participle: permeated
Conversation
Have you noticed how the smell of fresh coffee seems to permeate the whole house?
Absolutely! It’s one of my favorite things in the morning.
Yeah, it really makes everything feel cozy and inviting.
Definitely, it's like a warm hug for your senses.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
saturate
infuse
pervade
Antonyms
dry
dehydrate
evaporate
transitive verb
Definition
To spread or flow through something, especially in a way that fills or affects it completely.
Example
The smell of fresh bread began to permeate the entire house.
Tense Forms
Past: permeated
Past Participle: permeated
Conversation
Have you noticed how the smell of coffee can permeate the entire room?
Absolutely! It makes the place feel so cozy and inviting.
Yeah, I love when the aroma starts to permeate while it's brewing.
Root Explanation
Permeate → It is formed from "per-" (meaning through) and "meare" (from Latin "meare", meaning to go or pass). The word "permeate" means to pass through or spread throughout something.
Memory Tip
Think of something spreading 'through' ('per-') a material, like water soaking into a sponge.
Visually Confused Words
unpermeated
impermeated
prerelate
perosmate
perimeter
perennate
sperate
primate