What does pervious mean?
Pervious is an adjective describing something that allows passage through. In its literal sense, it refers to materials or structures that are permeable, such as a membrane that allows water to pass through or a surface that permits light to penetrate. In figurative use, it describes a person, organization, or argument that is receptive to influence, persuasion, or new ideas. Someone described as pervious to criticism may be willing to consider feedback and revise an opinion. The word can also suggest excessive openness, particularly when paired with expressions such as “pervious to influence.” Pervious is related in meaning to permeable and porous, but it often carries a broader sense of accessibility or receptiveness. It is useful when precision matters because it can describe both physical permeability and the metaphorical openness of minds, arguments, and institutions.
Allowing passage through, as of a material that permits liquid, light, or gas to pass through; permeable.
"The bark of the tree was pervious enough for the rain to soak through."
Often used in technical, scientific, or descriptive contexts.
Open to influence, persuasion, impressions, or information; easily affected.
"He was too pervious to the emotional appeals of the advertisement."
This figurative sense can be neutral or mildly critical, depending on context.
Accessible or open to a particular kind of action, perception, or treatment.
"The screen was pervious to bright light, making it difficult to read outdoors."
Less common than the basic meaning of permeable, but established in descriptive writing.
A pervious material lets things through; used figuratively, a pervious mind lets ideas in.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of pervious
Pervious comes from Latin pervius, meaning “passable” or “open to passage,” formed from per- (“through”) and via (“way”). The word entered English in the 16th century. The same Latin root via underlies words such as obvious, previous, devious, convoy, and viaduct.
Related word forms
How pervious is actually used
The literal sense is common in technical and descriptive writing. The figurative sense, meaning receptive or easily influenced, is established but less frequent and can carry a critical tone.
Easily confused with pervious
Pervious means allowing passage or influence, whereas impervious means resistant or unaffected by them.
Pervious describes permeability or receptiveness, while obvious describes something that is easy to see or understand.