penetrate
UK: /ˈpen.ɪ.treɪt/ | US: /ˈpen.ə.treɪt/
vt. to enter or pass through something, especially by overcoming resistance
vt. to understand or discover something deeply
vi. to spread or diffuse through something
penetrate = pene<trate<thoroughly> + trate<to pass through>
- pene<trate>: Derived from Latin penetrare, meaning "to enter thoroughly," from penitus ("within, deeply").
- trate<to pass through>: From Latin -tratus, a suffix indicating action, related to trans ("across").
Etymology Origin:
The word "penetrate" originates from Latin penetrare, combining the idea of thoroughness (penitus) with movement (trans-). It originally described physical entry (e.g., piercing) but expanded metaphorically to intellectual or emotional "entry" (e.g., understanding). The suffix -ate marks it as a verb in English.
The bullet can penetrate even the thickest armor.
Scientists aim to penetrate the mysteries of quantum physics.
Sunlight barely penetrates the dense forest canopy.
His sharp gaze seemed to penetrate her thoughts.
The smell of coffee penetrated every corner of the house.