pervasive

What does “pervasive” mean?

adjective.spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in passages discussing social issues, technology, or cultural phenomena, emphasizing the widespread nature of certain behaviors or ideologies. It implies a deep-rooted and often negative influence that is difficult to escape, distinguishing it from synonyms like "common" or "ubiquitous," which may not carry the same connotation of being intrusive or overwhelming.

Common Confusions

Pervasive implies an intrusive and overwhelming spread of influence, while ubiquitous usually suggests a simple presence or occurrence that is widespread but not necessarily negative or intrusive.

Example Sentences

• The medication had a pervasive effect on the patient's health.

Word Parts: How to Remember “pervasive”

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

• Prefix: per- through, thoroughly (Latin)

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