Question

Based on the context of this line from James Joyce's "Araby," what is the correct definition of the word pervades?

I recognized a silence like that which pervades a church after a service.

Answer 1

That feeling or quality that is present and apparent-- in this context the silence and reverence after a church service.

Answer 2

The word "pervade" is usually used to imply that something has become widespread, or that it has spread in all areas of something. It can also mean that something permeates a location.

In this case, the meaning of the word "pervade" is that the church after service was completely "full" of silence, or that silence was prevalent all over the church.