Penetrate

C1 16+

Pronunciation: /ˈpɛnɪˌtreɪt/

Definitions of penetrate

noun the act of penetrating or the ability to penetrate

Example Sentences

A1 The arrow was able to penetrate the target.

A2 The knife failed to penetrate the tough skin of the fruit.

B1 The bullet was able to penetrate the armor of the tank.

B2 The virus was able to penetrate the computer's firewall.

C1 The spy was able to penetrate the enemy's inner circle.

C2 The new technology has the ability to penetrate even the most secure networks.

verb to pass into or through something

Example Sentences

A1 The knife can easily penetrate the fruit.

A2 The arrow failed to penetrate the armor.

B1 The company's new marketing strategy aims to penetrate the international market.

B2 The detective was able to penetrate the criminal organization.

C1 The virus was able to penetrate the computer's firewall.

C2 The spy managed to penetrate the enemy's defenses undetected.

Examples of penetrate in a Sentence

formal The company was able to penetrate the international market with their new product.

informal I tried to penetrate the crowd to get closer to the stage at the concert.

slang He couldn't penetrate the tough defense of the opposing team.

figurative The truth seemed to penetrate her heart, causing her to break down in tears.

Grammatical Forms of penetrate

past tense

penetrated

plural

penetrates

comparative

more penetrating

superlative

most penetrating

present tense

penetrates

future tense

will penetrate

perfect tense

has penetrated

continuous tense

is penetrating

singular

penetrates

positive degree

penetrate

infinitive

to penetrate

gerund

penetrating

participle

penetrating

Origin and Evolution of penetrate

First Known Use: 1542 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'penetrate' originated from the Latin word 'penetrare', meaning to enter or pierce.
Evolution of the word: Over time, 'penetrate' has retained its original meaning of entering or piercing, but has also come to be used metaphorically to describe understanding or grasping deeply complex concepts.