What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
penetration
Example
The bullet's penetration was so deep that it went through the wall. [penetration: noun]
Example
The oil's penetration into the wood made it more durable. [penetration: noun]
Example
The company's penetration into the Asian market was a huge success. [penetration: noun]
impregnation
Example
The impregnation of the egg by the sperm resulted in a pregnancy. [impregnation: noun]
Example
The impregnation of the fabric with waterproofing chemicals made it resistant to water. [impregnation: noun]
Example
The farmer used artificial impregnation to increase the fertility of his cows. [impregnation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Penetration is more commonly used than impregnation in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and has a more general meaning. Impregnation is more technical and specialized, and is typically used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between penetration and impregnation?
Impregnation is generally more formal than penetration, as it is a technical term used in scientific or medical contexts. Penetration, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
