infiltrate - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
infiltrate Word Meanings
- to enter or gain access to an organization, system, or place secretly
- to permeate or spread gradually
- to invade subtly or stealthily
infiltrate Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
infiltrate Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɪn.fɪl.treɪt/
US
/ˈɪn.fɪl.treɪt/
infiltrate Word Etymology
in- = not + filtrare = to filter; Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a sponge slowly soaking up water, as 'infiltrate' describes how something can slowly seep into another space discreetly.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Infiltrate means to enter or gain access to a person, organization, system, or place secretly or gradually. It can describe a covert operation where someone tries to slip past guards, or an organization that slowly infiltrates a rival by discreetly placing trusted insiders. The sense also extends to ideas, influence, or cultures seeping into a group or market. Etymology traces to in- meaning not and filtrare meaning to filter, with a connotation of gradual passage through barriers. In modern usage, infiltrate often implies avoid detection and a deliberate strategic plan, rather than a simple act of entering. Use it when the focus is stealth, persistence, and subversion rather than a single entry.
Usage Reminders
- Do not confuse infiltrate with invade or penetrate; focus is stealth and strategy
- Use with people, networks, or ideas that spread secretly
- Pair with covert, stealthy, or behind-the-scenes to emphasize tone
- Check for formal security or organizational contexts
- Mind the difference between gradual seep and a single entry
- Pronounce with stress on the second syllable IL-TRATE
Common Misconceptions
- Infiltrate always means breaking in by force
- It cannot be used for ideas or culture spreading
- It is the same as invade
- It is only used in espionage or security contexts
- You can infiltrate a person or a crowd without stealth
Thinking Differences
In English, infiltrate often signals a deliberate, covert plan with long-term goals, commonly used in security, espionage, or organizational contexts. Learners sometimes confuse it with invade or penetrate and may overgeneralize to any entry.
Learning Tips
- Build 6 sample sentences with different contexts (security, business, fiction)
- Compare infiltrate with invade and permeate to feel nuance
- Practice pronunciation focus on il- and trate
- Use with collocations like infiltrate an organization or infiltrate a network
- Create a mini quiz distinguishing stealth vs direct entry
- Read security case studies or news to see real usage
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'infiltrate'?
A.To breathe
B.To swim fast
C.To jump high
D.To move stealthily into a place
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'infiltrate' correctly?
A.She sang loudly at the concert.
B.The spy managed to infiltrate the enemy base undetected.
C.He wrote a heartfelt letter to his friend.
D.The cat meowed for food.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'infiltrate'?
A.Enter
B.Exit
C.Stay
D.Run
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'infiltrate'?
A.Discover
B.Hide
C.Approach
D.Escape
Step 5: Mastery
In which real-life scenario might someone infiltrate a group?
A.Playing soccer with friends
B.Undercover agent infiltrating a criminal organization
C.Attending a birthday party
D.Shopping at a mall
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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