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Penetrating - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Penetrating describes something that forcefully enters or passes through a surface or barrier. It can also refer to a sharp, intense quality, such as a penetrating gaze or sound that is deeply perceptive or piercing.

penetrating

/ˈpɛnəˌtreɪtɪŋ/ /ˈpɛnɪtreɪtɪŋ/

Definition:

Able to pierce or pass through, or deeply perceptive and insightful.

Synonyms:

piercing, sharp, keen, perceptive

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

superficial, dull

Common Collocations:

penetrating gaze, penetrating insight, penetrating cold

Derivatives:

penetrate, penetratively, penetrator

Usage Tips:

Use "penetrating" to describe something that goes deep physically or intellectually, like a sharp sound or a profound analysis.

Common Phrases:

penetrating look, penetrating mind, penetrating voice

Etymology:

From Latin "penetrare," meaning to enter or pierce through.

Examples:

  • 1. The knife made a penetrating cut through the thick fabric.
  • 2. Her penetrating questions revealed the truth behind the story.
  • 3. The cold wind had a penetrating chill that reached our bones.
  • 4. His penetrating analysis of the problem impressed everyone in the room.

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