What does permeably mean?
“Permeably” is an uncommon adverb meaning in a manner that allows passage, especially of a fluid, gas, or other substance through a material or barrier. It describes how permeability is expressed in practice: a membrane may allow a solution to pass permeably, or a substance may move permeably through a porous structure. The word is most common in scientific, engineering, and environmental contexts, where precision about the movement of materials matters. Ordinary usage would usually favor simpler alternatives such as “in a way that allows passage,” “so that it can pass through,” or, where appropriate, “porously.” Although related to the familiar adjective “permeable,” “permeably” specifically describes a manner of passage rather than a quality of the material itself.
adverbIn a manner that allows substances to pass through or permeate. The word is chiefly used in technical and scientific contexts.
- In a manner that allows substances to pass through or permeate.
"The porous barrier allows the fluid to pass permeably while retaining the larger particles."
"The coating is designed to let moisture escape permeably from the underlying surface."
"Gas diffused permeably through the experimental membrane."
Something can be permeable without being porous: “permeable” describes the capacity to allow passage, not necessarily the presence of visible holes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of permeably
“Permeably” was formed in English as an adverb from “permeable,” using the usual adverbial suffix -ly. “Permeable” comes through Latin from permeare, meaning “to pass through,” which was built from per-, meaning “through,” and meare, meaning “to go.” The same Latin source also produced related English forms including “permeate,” “permeation,” and “permeability.”
How permeably is actually used
This adverb is relatively uncommon and is most often encountered in technical, scientific, or engineering writing.
Easily confused with permeably
“Permeable” is an adjective describing something that permits passage, whereas “permeably” is an adverb describing the manner in which passage occurs.