to pierce or pass into or through something, to enter into and spread through an area, group, etc., to understand or discover something that is hidden or secret

Formal and Informal Expressions of penetrate

In different contexts, you can replace 'penetrate' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'permeate, enter' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'get into, get through' is a commonplace synonym.

penetrate: Explore its Definition & Usage

penetrate Definition

1to pierce or pass into or through something
2to enter into and spread through an area, group, etc.
3to understand or discover something that is hidden or secret

Using penetrate: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "penetrate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The bullet penetrated his chest.
Example
The company is trying to penetrate the European market.
Example
The spy penetrated the enemy's headquarters.
Example
It took years for her to penetrate the mystery surrounding her father's death.

penetrate Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for penetrate

Antonyms for penetrate

Phrases with penetrate

penetrate someone's mind
to understand what someone is thinking or feeling
Example
It's difficult to penetrate his mind and know what he's really thinking.
penetrate the market
to successfully enter and establish oneself in a new market
Example
The company has been trying to penetrate the Asian market for years.
penetrate someone's defenses
to overcome someone's resistance or barriers
Example
The hacker was able to penetrate the company's defenses and steal sensitive information.

Origins of penetrate

from Latin 'penetratus', past participle of 'penetrare', meaning 'to put or set inside, thrust into'

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Summary: penetrate in Brief

To 'penetrate' [ˈpɛnɪtreɪt] means to pierce or pass into something, enter and spread through an area or group, or understand something hidden or secret. Examples include 'The bullet penetrated his chest,' 'The company is trying to penetrate the European market,' and 'It took years for her to penetrate the mystery surrounding her father's death.' The phrase 'penetrate someone's mind' means to understand their thoughts or feelings.