"Permeated by" refers to a state or condition of being deeply infused or saturated with something. It denotes the idea that a particular thing, substance, or quality has spread throughout an entity, filling it completely or influencing it substantially.
When an area, environment, or atmosphere is described as "were permeated by," it implies that the intended subject has deeply penetrated the space, leaving a noticeable impact on its overall nature or character. This could be a physical substance like an odor, a sound, or a presence, or it could signify an intangible quality such as a particular emotion, belief, or ideology.
For example, if someone were to say, "The room was permeated by the fragrance of freshly brewed coffee," it suggests that the aroma of coffee has diffused itself throughout the entire space, creating a pervasive scent that can be perceived from any corner of the room.
Similarly, if one were to state that "the town's culture was permeated by a sense of tradition," it conveys that the traditional values, practices, and customs have deeply infiltrated and impacted various aspects of the town's social fabric, influencing the behavior, attitudes, and daily lives of its residents.
In summary, the phrase "were permeated by" indicates a significant level of saturation or influence, revealing that a specific thing or quality has diffused through a particular area, entity, or domain to a notable and noticeable extent.
