Word
pervasive
Phoneticsper·va·sive, stress on the second syllable
US/pɝˈveɪsɪv/
UK/pəvˈeɪsɪv/
Definition
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.
Examples
“The smell of fresh coffee is pervasive in the morning.”
“Despite the new laws, the pervasive influence of old traditions continues to shape how the community makes decisions.”
“The author explores how pervasive digital surveillance has become, arguing that the constant presence of cameras has fundamentally altered human behavior in public spaces.”
Examples
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.”
Usage
Typically used to describe abstract concepts like influence, corruption, or moods. Often follows a linking verb like 'become' or 'remain'.
Real-World Examples
“Boonwara Sumano also highlights the pervasive influence of the military in Thailand, even when it is not actually running the country, which it has done for most of its modern history.” “There is so much talk of all the lonely people in the world right now that the pervasive state of loneliness is being called an epidemic.” Etymology
From Latin pervāsus, from pervādō (“spread through, pervade”), from per (“through”) + vādō (“go, walk”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/pervasive