Diffuse
/dɪˈfjuːz/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo spread or cause to spread widely.
/dɪˈfjuːz/
To spread or cause to spread over a wide area or among a large number of people.
The aroma of the freshly baked bread diffused through the entire house.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're spraying air freshener – it spreads out, right? Diffuse is like that, but for ideas, smells, or even light. It means to spread something around.
👶 For kids: To spread something out so it covers a big space, like when you pour glitter on paper and it spreads out.
More Examples
The artist used a special technique to diffuse the light in the painting.
The government is trying to diffuse propaganda throughout the country.
The arguments began to diffuse over time.
How It's Used
"The scent of the perfume diffused throughout the room."
"The rumors diffused quickly through the small town."
Spread out and not concentrated.
/dɪˈfjuːs/
Spread out over a large area; not concentrated.
The artist used a diffuse lighting technique to soften the shadows.
💡 Simply: Imagine a light that isn't focused in one spot but spreads out evenly, like the sunlight on a cloudy day. That's diffuse: spread out and not in a single, clear spot.
👶 For kids: When something is spread out, not in one big bunch.
More Examples
The information was presented in a diffuse manner, making it hard to follow.
The diffuse organization has several regional offices.
The problem has a diffuse nature and is very difficult to solve.
How It's Used
"The artist preferred to paint with diffuse light."
"The company faced a diffuse market, with many potential customers."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
diffuse the tension
To reduce or alleviate stress or conflict.
"The mediator worked hard to diffuse the tension between the two parties."
From Latin *diffusus*, past participle of *diffundere* 'to pour out, spread abroad', from *dis-* 'apart, away' + *fundere* 'to pour'.
The word has been used since the 17th century, originally referring to the spreading of liquids or gases.
Memory tip
Think of a diffuser that spreads essential oils. This verb describes spreading anything.
Word Origin
"to pour"