What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
permeated
Example
The smell of freshly baked bread permeated the entire house. [permeated: verb]
Example
The culture of the city had permeated every aspect of her life. [permeated: past participle]
pervade
Example
A sense of excitement pervaded the air as the concert began. [pervaded: verb]
Example
The influence of social media pervades every aspect of modern life. [pervades: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pervade is more commonly used than permeated in everyday language, especially when describing the spreading of ideas or feelings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between permeated and pervade?
Permeated is more formal than pervade, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
