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Pervasive - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Pervasive means something that is present or spreading throughout an area, group, or situation in a way that is widespread and often difficult to avoid. It describes a strong, far-reaching influence.

pervasive

/pərˈveɪsɪv/ /pəˈveɪsɪv/

Definition:

Spreading widely throughout an area or group; present everywhere.

Synonyms:

widespread, prevalent, ubiquitous, omnipresent

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

rare, limited

Common Collocations:

pervasive influence, pervasive smell, pervasive problem, pervasive technology

Derivatives:

pervasively, pervasiveness

Usage Tips:

Use "pervasive" to describe something that is everywhere and hard to avoid, like a smell or trend.

Common Phrases:

pervasive issue, pervasive presence, pervasive culture

Etymology:

From Latin "pervasus," past participle of "pervadere," meaning "to go through."

Examples:

  • 1. The pollution in the city is pervasive and affects everyone.
  • 2. Social media has a pervasive influence on modern life.
  • 3. A pervasive sense of unease filled the room after the news broke.
  • 4. The smell of coffee was pervasive in the café early in the morning.

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