B1verb 2K

Penetrate

UK //ˈpɛnətreɪt// US //ˈpɛnəˌtreɪt// Pronunciation

Definition

To go through or into something.

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In simple words: To go into or through something.

Examples

• 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.

Usage notes

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

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Grammar pattern

penetrate + object

Memory hint

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

Collocations

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

Synonyms

• enter
• pierce
• bore
• infiltrate
• break through

Antonyms

• retreat
• withdraw

Common mistakes

• 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.