Percolate Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

To flow slowly through a material or substance, usually by filtering; also, to spread gradually, especially ideas or information.

Usage & Nuances

Often used in both scientific/literal (for liquids or gases) and figurative senses (for information or change). Common with ideas 'percolating through' a group. More formal or technical word, less common in everyday speech. Don't confuse with just 'spread'—'percolate' suggests slow, filtered movement.

• Spanish: filtrar - permear - difundirse (sentido figurado)
• Portuguese (BR): filtrar - permear - se espalhar (figurado)
• Portuguese (PT): filtrar - permear - espalhar-se (figurado)
• Chinese (Simplified): 渗透 - 滤过 - 逐渐传播（比喻）
• Chinese (Traditional): 滲透 - 濾過 - 逐漸傳播（比喻）
• Hindi: छानना - फैलना (रूपक अर्थ में)
• Arabic: يتسرب - يرشح - ينتشر (بشكل مجازي)
• Bengali: ছেঁকে প্রবাহিত হওয়া - ধীরে ধীরে ছড়িয়ে পড়া
• Russian: просачиваться - проникать - распространяться (постепенно)
• Japanese: 浸透する - 徐々に広がる
• Vietnamese: thấm qua - lan tỏa dần dần
• Korean: 스며들다 - 천천히 퍼지다
• Turkish: süzülmek - yavaşça yayılmak
• Urdu: رسنا - آہستہ آہستہ پھیلنا
• Indonesian: meresap - menyebar perlahan

Example Sentences

Coffee is ready after it has percolated for a few minutes.

basic

It took weeks for the news to percolate through the whole company.

natural

Let the idea percolate before you make a decision.

natural

Water slowly percolates through the soil.

basic

The rainwater percolates down to underground rivers.

basic

Rumors started to percolate around the school by lunchtime.

natural