permeate

What does “permeate” mean?

verb.to spread throughout (something); to pervade.

SAT Usage

this verb often appears in passages related to science, literature, or social issues, suggesting how ideas, emotions, or substances can infiltrate and influence a larger context. It emphasizes a deep, often gradual influence rather than a superficial presence, distinguishing it from similar terms like "spread," which may imply a more random or less thorough distribution.

Common Confusions

Permeate implies a deep and thorough infiltration throughout a substance or context, while spread usually suggests a more surface-level or random distribution without the same depth of influence.

Example Sentences

• The smell of fresh bread began to permeate the entire house.

• The committee needed to permeate the proposal before making a final decision.

Word Parts: How to Remember “permeate”

Break “permeate” into its parts: per- (through, thoroughly). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: per- through, thoroughly (Latin)