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Infiltrative - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Infiltrative describes something that spreads or penetrates gradually into a substance, group, or area, often in a subtle or unnoticed way. It is commonly used in medical or military contexts.

infiltrative

/ˈɪnfɪlˌtreɪtɪv/ /ˈɪnfɪlˌtreɪtɪv/

Definition:

Capable of penetrating or spreading gradually into something, often in a harmful or stealthy manner.

Synonyms:

invasive, penetrating, permeating, pervasive

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

superficial, impermeable

Common Collocations:

infiltrative growth, infiltrative process, infiltrative disease

Derivatives:

infiltrate, infiltration, infiltrator

Usage Tips:

Use "infiltrative" to describe processes that spread subtly or harmfully into tissues, systems, or organizations.

Common Phrases:

infiltrative tactics, infiltrative behavior, infiltrative pattern

Etymology:

Derived from Latin "infiltrare," meaning "to filter into," combined with the suffix "-ive" indicating tendency or capability.

Examples:

  • 1. The tumor showed infiltrative growth into surrounding tissues.
  • 2. The military used infiltrative tactics to gather intelligence unnoticed.
  • 3. Her writing had an infiltrative quality that subtly influenced readers' opinions.
  • 4. The disease's infiltrative nature made it difficult to treat effectively.

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