What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
penetrable
Example
The fabric of the tent was so thin that it was easily penetrable by the wind. [penetrable: adjective]
Example
The hacker found a way to penetrate the company's security system. [penetrate: verb]
Example
The concept was difficult to penetrate, but with some effort, I finally understood it. [penetrate: verb]
permeable
Example
The soil in this area is highly permeable, allowing water to seep through quickly. [permeable: adjective]
Example
The artist's work was permeable to the cultural influences of their time. [permeable: adjective]
Example
The political climate was permeable to change, and the new policies had a significant impact. [permeable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Permeable is more commonly used than penetrable in everyday language. Permeable has a wider range of applications and is used in various fields such as environmental science, geology, and cultural studies. Penetrable is less common and is mostly used in the context of security or understanding complex ideas.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between penetrable and permeable?
Both penetrable and permeable are formal words that are typically used in academic or technical contexts. However, permeable is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while penetrable is less common and may sound overly technical or formal in casual conversations.
