What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overarching
Example
The overarching goal of the project is to improve customer satisfaction. [overarching: adjective]
Example
The company's overarching philosophy is to prioritize employee well-being. [overarching: adjective]
pervasive
Example
The pervasive smell of coffee filled the air. [pervasive: adjective]
Example
Social media has become a pervasive force in modern society. [pervasive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pervasive is more commonly used than overarching in everyday language. Pervasive is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while overarching is less common and tends to be used in academic or professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between overarching and pervasive?
While both overarching and pervasive can be used in formal contexts, overarching is more likely to be used in academic or professional settings due to its specific connotations of guidance and comprehensiveness.
