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 through the wall was impressive. [penetration: noun]
Example
The company's market penetration strategy was successful in reaching new customers. [penetration: noun]
permeation
Example
The permeation of water through the soil was evident after the rain. [permeation: noun]
Example
The smell of garlic permeated throughout the kitchen. [permeated: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Penetration is more commonly used than permeation in everyday language. Penetration is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while permeation is less common and often used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between penetration and permeation?
Both penetration and permeation can be used in formal or technical contexts, but permeation is more likely to be used in scientific or specialized fields due to its specific meaning and usage.
