ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pervasive

adj.
C1 Advanced US //pɝˈveɪsɪv// UK //pəvˈeɪsɪv// per·va·sive

adj. spreading through every part of something. You use this to describe a feeling, an idea, or a problem that is everywhere and hard to ignore.

adj. spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people. Often describes intangible things like influence, attitudes, or smells that permeate a whole environment.


SIMPLE

The smell of fresh coffee is pervasive in the morning.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite the new laws, the pervasive influence of old traditions continues to shape how the community makes decisions.

COMPLEX

The author explores how pervasive digital surveillance has become, arguing that the constant presence of cameras has fundamentally altered human behavior in public spaces.

Synonyms
Origin

From Latin pervāsus, from pervādō (“spread through, pervade”), from per (“through”) + vādō (“go, walk”).

Usage

Typically used to describe abstract concepts like influence, corruption, or moods. Often follows a linking verb like 'become' or 'remain'.

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