What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
penetrated
Example
The bullet penetrated the wall and hit the target. [penetrated: verb]
Example
The spy was able to penetrate the enemy's inner circle. [penetrate: verb]
Example
The idea finally penetrated his mind after hours of discussion. [penetrated: past tense]
permeated
Example
The smell of freshly baked bread permeated the air. [permeated: verb]
Example
The culture of the company permeated every aspect of its operations. [permeated: verb]
Example
The feeling of excitement permeated the room as the concert began. [permeated: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Permeated is more commonly used than penetrated in everyday language. Permeated is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while penetrated is less common and often associated with technical or scientific language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between penetrated and permeated?
Both penetrated and permeated can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but penetrated is more likely to be used in technical or scientific contexts, which may make it sound more formal in certain situations.
