# permeable vs permeate

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### permeable
*adjective · IPA /ˈpɜːmiəbəl/ · frequency rank #39,025*
Able to be permeated; absorbing or allowing the passage of fluids.

### permeate
*verb · IPA /ˈpɜːmiˌeɪt/ · frequency rank #45,580*
To pass through the pores or interstices of; to penetrate and pass through without causing rupture or displacement; applied especially to fluids which pass through substances of loose texture

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/permeable-vs-permeate