penetrate
|pen-e-trate|
B2
/ˈpɛnɪˌtreɪt/
to enter or pass through
Etymology
Etymology Information
'penetrate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'penetratus,' where 'penetrare' meant 'to put or get into.'
Historical Evolution
'penetrare' transformed into the Old French word 'peneter,' and eventually became the modern English word 'penetrate' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to put or get into,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to pass into or through something.
The bullet penetrated the wall.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
to understand or grasp the meaning of something.
He tried to penetrate the complex theory.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35