Spreading widely throughout an area or group of people; having a subtle but extensive presence or influence.
From Latin 'pervasus' (past participle of 'pervadere') meaning 'to go through completely,' composed of 'per-' (through) and 'vadere' (to go). The English adjective emerged in the mid-18th century to describe something that penetrates or spreads throughout.
The beauty of 'pervasive' lies in its imagery - it literally means 'going through completely,' like water seeping through every crack or an aroma filling every corner of a room. Unlike 'common' or 'widespread,' pervasive suggests something that infiltrates rather than simply appears frequently.
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