What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pervasive
Example
The pervasive smell of smoke filled the room. [pervasive: adjective]
Example
The fear of the virus was pervasive throughout the community. [pervasive: adjective]
widespread
Example
The news of the accident spread widespread panic. [widespread: adjective]
Example
The disease was widespread in the rural areas. [widespread: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Widespread is more commonly used in everyday language than pervasive. Widespread is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while pervasive is more commonly used in academic or technical writing.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between pervasive and widespread?
Pervasive is more formal than widespread. It is often used in academic or technical writing to describe the extent of a phenomenon or its impact on a system or population. Widespread, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
