B1verb 2K

Penetrate

🇬🇧 UK //ˈpɛnətreɪt// 🇺🇸 US //ˈpɛnəˌtreɪt//

Meaning of Penetrate

To go through or into something.

In simple words: To go into or through something.

Penetrate in a sentence

• The knife will easily penetrate the flesh of the fruit.
• The idea began to penetrate the minds of the students over time.
• He tried to penetrate the dense forest but got lost.
• The sun began to penetrate through the clouds after the storm.
• They used sonar to penetrate the ocean floor and map it.
• Intense scrutiny can penetrate even the thickest of defenses.
• She struggled to penetrate the mysterious world of philosophy.

How to use Penetrate

Commonly used in contexts related to physical objects, ideas, or emotions; avoid in overly formal writing.

Grammar pattern

penetrate + object

Memory hint

Think of a soldier penetrating enemy lines to remember 'penetrate'.

Related words

Collocations with Penetrate

• penetrate deep
• penetrate the market
• penetrate the body
• penetrate the surface
• penetrate the mind

Synonyms for Penetrate

• enter
• pierce
• bore
• infiltrate
• break through

Opposites of Penetrate

• retreat
• withdraw

Common mistakes with Penetrate

• Confused with 'permeate' - 'penetrate' is more about going in rather than spreading.
• Using in incorrect contexts, such as emotional states that don't involve depth.
• Omitting the object that is being penetrated.

Frequently asked questions about Penetrate

What does Penetrate mean?

To go into or through something.

What is the definition of Penetrate?

To go through or into something.

How do you use Penetrate in a sentence?

The knife will easily penetrate the flesh of the fruit.

Can you give another example of Penetrate?

The idea began to penetrate the minds of the students over time.

What are synonyms for Penetrate?

Common alternatives include enter, pierce, bore, infiltrate, break through.

What is the opposite of Penetrate?

Opposite meanings include retreat, withdraw.

What words go with Penetrate?

It commonly pairs with penetrate deep, penetrate the market, penetrate the body, penetrate the surface, penetrate the mind.

What are common mistakes when using Penetrate?

Confused with 'permeate' - 'penetrate' is more about going in rather than spreading. Using in incorrect contexts, such as emotional states that don't involve depth. Omitting the object that is being penetrated.

How do you pronounce Penetrate?

US: //ˈpɛnəˌtreɪt//, UK: //ˈpɛnətreɪt//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Penetrate?

Commonly used in contexts related to physical objects, ideas, or emotions; avoid in overly formal writing.

What CEFR level is Penetrate?

"Penetrate" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.