The word "pervade" is spelled as /pɜrˈveɪd/. It has six letters, two syllables and is pronounced with stress on the second syllable. The "e" at the end is a silent schwa, making it a two-syllable word. The "a" is pronounced as "ay" with a long "a" sound. The "v" in pervade is the voiceless labiodental fricative, pronounced by placing the upper teeth on the lower lip and exhaling air. This word is commonly used to describe something that has spread throughout an area or group.
The term "pervade" is a verb that describes the action of spreading or extending throughout a particular area, space, or substance. It implies a process of permeating or infiltrating, often with a strong or pervasive influence.
When something pervades, it fills or saturates an environment, context, or object completely, leaving no part untouched or unaffected. It suggests a thorough and all-encompassing presence that can be felt or observed in various aspects. For example, a strong scent may pervade a room, indicating that the fragrance is diffused and present in every corner, overpowering other smells. Likewise, an ideology might pervade a society, indicating that its principles and beliefs have deeply penetrated and influenced the mindset and behavior of its members.
This term is often associated with intangible elements such as emotions, ideas, or qualities as well. It captures the concept of an intangible force pervasively suffusing or influencing a person, situation, or subject matter. For instance, a sense of fear or anticipation can pervade a crowd before a significant event, expressing the widespread feeling that is deeply interwoven amongst individuals. Similarly, a feeling of serenity might pervade a setting, evoking a prevailing atmosphere of calmness that is palpable and widely experienced.
In summary, "pervade" encapsulates the idea of something extending, spreading, and saturating throughout an area, space, or substance, often leaving a profound, influential, and often all-encompassing impact on its surroundings.
To pass or spread through the whole extent of a thing; to be diffused through every minute part.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word pervade originated from the Latin word pervadere, which is a combination of the prefix per- meaning through and the verb vadere meaning to go. In Latin, pervadere meant to go through or to penetrate. Over time, the word evolved in English to mean to spread or be present throughout.