Penetrating (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Tending to penetrate; having the power of entering or piercing; "a toxic penetrative spray applied to the surface"; "a cold penetrating wind"; "a penetrating odor".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The detective's questioning was penetrating, getting to the root of the suspect's motives.
- He stepped outside into the cold penetrating wind that cut through his thin jacket.
- The artist's use of color was penetrating, evoking a strong emotional response from the viewer.
- The smell of the skunk was penetrating, lingering in the air long after it had passed.
- The scientist's research led to the development of a penetrating new treatment for the disease.
Synonyms
Meaning 2
Having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions; "an acute observer of politics and politicians"; "incisive comments"; "icy knifelike reasoning"; "as sharp and incisive as the stroke of a fang"; "penetrating insight"; "frequent penetrative observations".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The journalist's penetrating questions revealed the politician's true intentions.
- Her incisive analysis of the novel's themes was impressive, but her penetrating insight into the characters' motivations was even more remarkable.
- The professor's lectures were known for their clarity and his penetrating observations on the subject matter.
- The reviewer's comments were not only witty but also penetrating, cutting through the hype surrounding the new movie.
- The detective's penetrating gaze seemed to see right through the suspect's alibi, and it wasn't long before the truth came out.