Diffuse

(verb)

Literal meaning

a. The spread or scattering of something, such as a substance, across a larger area, often in a way that makes it less concentrated.

Synonyms/Related terms:

Spread; Scatter; Distribute; Disseminate; Radiate; Spread out; Expand; Propagate; Extend.

Sentences:

  • The wind began to diffuse the scent of flowers throughout the garden.
  • The smoke started to diffuse throughout the room, making it hard to see.
  • Heat naturally diffuses from warmer areas to cooler ones.
  • The light from the lamp diffused softly across the table.
  • The perfume will diffuse into the air over time.
  • The ink began to diffuse through the paper, creating a blurry effect.
  • The fog started to diffuse as the sun rose higher.
  • The chemical will diffuse evenly throughout the solution when stirred.

Figurative meaning

b. Figuratively, to spread something, such as an idea, feeling or influence, over a wide area or among many people, often in a gradual or subtle way.

Synonyms/Related terms:

Spread; Disperse; Circulate; Scatter; Distribute; Broadcast; Transmit; Propagate; Spread out.

Sentences:

  • His positive energy seemed to diffuse throughout the room, lifting everyone's spirits.
  • The teacher tried to diffuse the conflict between the two students.
  • The news began to diffuse quickly through social media.
  • Her calm demeanor helped diffuse the tension in the meeting.
  • The company's new policies will diffuse across all departments gradually.
  • The rumor started to diffuse through the small town within hours.
  • The manager's joke helped diffuse the awkward silence in the room.
  • The scent of fresh flowers began to diffuse through the garden, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

(noun)

Literal meaning

a. The spread or scattering of something, such as a substance, across a larger area, often in a way that makes it less concentrated.

Synonyms/Related terms:

Spread; Scatter; Distribute; Disseminate; Radiate; Spread out; Expand; Propagate; Extend.

Sentences:

  • The wind began to diffuse the scent of flowers throughout the garden.
  • The smoke started to diffuse throughout the room, making it hard to see.
  • Heat naturally diffuses from warmer areas to cooler ones.
  • The light from the lamp diffused softly across the table.
  • The perfume will diffuse into the air over time.
  • The ink began to diffuse through the paper, creating a blurry effect.
  • The fog started to diffuse as the sun rose higher.
  • The chemical will diffuse evenly throughout the solution when stirred.

Figurative meaning

b. Figuratively, to spread something, such as an idea, feeling or influence, over a wide area or among many people, often in a gradual or subtle way.

Synonyms/Related terms:

Spread; Disperse; Circulate; Scatter; Distribute; Broadcast; Transmit; Propagate; Spread out.

Sentences:

  • His positive energy seemed to diffuse throughout the room, lifting everyone's spirits.
  • The teacher tried to diffuse the conflict between the two students.
  • The news began to diffuse quickly through social media.
  • Her calm demeanor helped diffuse the tension in the meeting.
  • The company's new policies will diffuse across all departments gradually.
  • The rumor started to diffuse through the small town within hours.
  • The manager's joke helped diffuse the awkward silence in the room.
  • The scent of fresh flowers began to diffuse through the garden, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Note: This word is part of your vocabulary learning journey. Practice using it in context to improve retention.