Words / C1

p-uh-VAYS-iv/pəˈveɪsɪv/

Pervasive means spreading through every part of something: pervasive copy, a pervasive gap. Spread and prevalent (already in the dictionary) are the everyday set; packed talk is not an occupancy figure.

Meaning

Spreading through every part of something (from spread and prevalent, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “Pervasive “full house” copy is still not an occupancy figure; count the seats.”
• “Prevalent is already in this course. Widespread is already in this course. Packed is a vibe. A number on a certificate is the rule. Count the seats; then keep the copy if the cap still holds.”

Good to know

Present throughout; spreading through. Everyday: prevalent (already in the dictionary). Packed copy ≠ a count.

Near in meaning

widespread, ubiquitous, prevalent

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