"Was permeated by" is a phrase used to describe a situation or environment where something, such as an idea, quality, influence, or substance, has thoroughly penetrated, infused, or spread throughout a particular space, system, organization, or community. It implies that the subject is deeply ingrained, pervasive, or ubiquitous within the given context.
For example, if a place or atmosphere was permeated by fear, it suggests that fear was deeply felt and widespread among people in that setting. Similarly, if an organization was permeated by corruption, it implies that corrupt practices or unethical behavior had deeply infiltrated various aspects of the organization's operations.
This phrase can also be applied to abstract concepts. For instance, if an era or period in history was permeated by innovation, it signifies that a spirit of forward-thinking, creativity, and groundbreaking ideas extensively characterized that specific time. Similarly, if a society was permeated by inequality, it implies that various levels of social, economic, or political disparity were deeply ingrained within the fabric of that particular community.
Overall, "was permeated by" denotes the comprehensive, profound, and all-encompassing nature of the subject within the given context, suggesting a significant, far-reaching, and often long-lasting impact or influence.
