adj Uncommon

penetrating

PEH-niht-ray-tihng

Penetrating (adj) means Able to pierce through something, or (of a look, remark, or mind) sharply perceptive. Example: “She gave him a penetrating stare that made him uneasy.”

adj

Able to pierce through something, or (of a look, remark, or mind) sharply perceptive.

"She gave him a penetrating stare that made him uneasy."

"The report offered a penetrating analysis of the crisis."

How to use penetrating

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSharp and piercing — whether physically (a cold wind), or mentally (a perceptive comment or look).

Common pairings

penetrating gaze penetrating insight penetrating cold

Word forms

more penetrating comparative, most penetrating superlative

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She gave him a _____ stare that made him uneasy.

Rhymes for penetrating

mating rating eating dating hating heating grating stating beating coating skating seating

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Frequently asked questions

What does “penetrating” mean?

The word “penetrating” means able to pierce through something, or (of a look, remark, or mind) sharply perceptive. In plain terms, sharp and piercing — whether physically (a cold wind), or mentally (a perceptive comment or look).

How do you pronounce “penetrating”?

“Penetrating” is pronounced PEH-niht-ray-tihng (/ˈpɛnɪtɹeɪtɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “penetrating” in a sentence?

Here is “penetrating” used in a sentence: “She gave him a penetrating stare that made him uneasy.”

What part of speech is “penetrating”?

“Penetrating” is an adjective.

Is “penetrating” a common word?

“Penetrating” is an uncommon word in modern English.