What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
porous
Example
The sponge is porous and can absorb a lot of water. [porous: adjective]
Example
The porous rock allowed the water to seep through. [porous: adjective]
penetrable
Example
The skin is penetrable by needles used for injections. [penetrable: adjective]
Example
The fence was easily penetrable by the intruders. [penetrable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Porous is more common than penetrable in everyday language, especially when describing natural materials. Penetrable is less common and tends to be used in more technical or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between porous and penetrable?
Both porous and penetrable are formal words that are appropriate for academic or technical writing. However, porous is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while penetrable is more technical and may sound overly formal in casual conversation.
