What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
impenetrate
Example
The armor was impenetrable, even against the strongest weapons. [impenetrate: adjective]
Example
Her thoughts and feelings were impenetrable, making it hard for others to connect with her. [impenetrable: adjective]
Example
The language barrier made communication impenetrable between the two groups. [impenetrable: adjective]
penetrate
Example
The bullet penetrated the wall, leaving a hole in its wake. [penetrate: verb]
Example
The author's writing style penetrated the reader's emotions, leaving a lasting impact. [penetrated: past tense verb]
Example
The spy was able to penetrate the enemy's defenses and gather valuable information. [penetrate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Penetrate is more commonly used than impenetrate in everyday language. Penetrate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while impenetrate is less common and typically used in more formal or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between impenetrate and penetrate?
Impenetrate is more formal than penetrate and is typically used in academic or technical writing. Penetrate is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
