penetrating

• Décrit quelque chose de perçant, pénétrant ou capable de traverser ; aussi utilisé au sens figuré pour un esprit ou une observation très perspicaces et profonds.

Describes something that is sharp, piercing, or able to penetrate; also used figuratively for a mind or observation that is very acute and insightful.

1. Sharp and insightfulC1formal

   Having or showing the ability to understand things quickly and clearly; perceptive.

   pénétrant (sens figuré)

   • She asked a penetrating question that made everyone think.
   • His penetrating analysis of the situation revealed the core problem.
   • The detective had a penetrating gaze that seemed to see through lies.

   Synonymesacuteastutecleverdiscerningincisivekeenperceptivepiercingsagacioussharp

   Antonymesdullobtuseshallowsuperficial

2. Piercing or enteringB2formal

   Tending to enter or pierce through something; having the power to go into or through.

   pénétrant

   • The penetrating cold wind made us shiver.
   • The knife had a penetrating blade that cut through the tough material.
   • A penetrating smell of smoke filled the room.

   Synonymesacuteincisivekeenpenetrativepiercingsharp

   Antonymessuperficial

• Verbe désignant l'action d'entrer, de traverser ou d'accéder à l'intérieur de quelque chose, souvent avec force ou effort, ou de s'infiltrer au sein d'un domaine ou d'un groupe.

A verb used to indicate the act of entering, piercing, or gaining access into something, often with force or effort.

1. Enter or pass throughB2formal

   To go into or through something, especially with force or difficulty.

   Pénétrer

   • The bullet penetrated the metal plate.
   • The knife penetrated deep into the wood.
   • The sunlight penetrated the thick curtains.

   Synonymesborebreachdrillenterimpalepass throughperforatepiercepuncturestab

2. Understand or see throughC1formal

   To succeed in understanding or discovering something hidden or obscure.

   Pénétrer (comprendre)

   • The detective managed to penetrate the criminal's lies.
   • She could penetrate the complex theory with ease.
   • His sharp mind could penetrate any disguise.

   Synonymescomprehenddecipherdiscernfathomgraspperceivesee throughunravel

   Antonymesconfusemissmisunderstandoverlook

3. Enter a market or groupB2formalbusiness

   To successfully enter a new market, organization, or area.

   Pénétrer un marché ou un groupe

   • The company is trying to penetrate the Asian market.
   • They penetrated the exclusive club through connections.
   • New technologies help businesses penetrate remote regions.

   Synonymesaccessbreak intocrackenterget intoinfiltrate

   Antonymesexitleaveretreatwithdraw