pervasive
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- interpervasive adjective
- interpervasively adverb
- nonpervasive adjective
- nonpervasively adverb
- pervasively adverb
- pervasiveness noun
- unpervasive adjective
- unpervasively adverb
Etymology
Origin of pervasive
First recorded in 1730–40; equivalent to Latin pervās(us), past participle of pervādere “to pass through” + -ive ( def. ); pervade ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The film explores fear — a sentiment Lapid believes is pervasive today.
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
Local media have often linked his rise to a pervasive anxiety in Chinese society, driven by a slowing economy and a sluggish youth employment rate.
From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026
“AI washing is pervasive right now,” says J.P.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026
Mitu Gulati explains how the pervasive use of boilerplate contracts is creating a legal crisis.
From Slate • Mar. 17, 2026
Different individuals responded in different ways to the new pervasive spirit of competition.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
