Advertisement
English Lexicon

Pervasive

/pərˈveɪ.sɪv/
adjectiveCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #4500 frequency
Full Thesaurus

Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As adjective
  1. 1

    Spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people, especially of an unwelcome influence or physical effect.

    "There is a pervasive sense of mistrust in the organization."
  2. 2

    Existing in or spreading through every part of something.

    "The pervasive influence of digital technology can be seen in modern education."
Advertisement

Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum

Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Latin verb 'pervadere', meaning 'to go through, spread through' (composed of 'per-' meaning 'through' plus 'vadere' meaning 'to go'). Entering English in the 17th century, the term retained its core imagery of something extending widely or diffusing throughout an area or group of people.

Quick Vocabulary Retention Check

Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Pervasive"?

Advertisement
Thesaurus & Synonyms Graph

Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Pervasive"

Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.

View "Pervasive" Synonym Map
Advertisement