PENETRATIVE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does penetrative mean? 

• PENETRATIVE (adjective)
  The adjective PENETRATIVE has 2 senses:

1. having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

2. tending to penetrate; having the power of entering or piercing

  Familiarity information: PENETRATIVE used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PENETRATIVE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

Synonyms:

acute; discriminating; incisive; keen; knifelike; penetrating; penetrative; piercing; sharp

Context example:

frequent penetrative observations

Similar:

perceptive (having the ability to perceive or understand; keen in discernment)

Derivation:

penetrate (come to understand)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Tending to penetrate; having the power of entering or piercing

Synonyms:

penetrating; penetrative

Context example:

a penetrating odor

Similar:

sharp (having or made by a thin edge or sharp point; suitable for cutting or piercing)

Derivation:

penetrate (spread or diffuse through)

 Context examples 

Her penetrative virginity exalted and disguised his own emotions, elevating his thoughts to a star-cool chastity, and he would have been startled to learn that there was that shining out of his eyes, like warm waves, that flowed through her and kindled a kindred warmth.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)