Diffuse Meaning
/dɪˈfjuːz/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
verbTo spread (something) over or through as in air, water, or other matter, especially by fluid motion or passive means.
verbTo be spread over or through as in air, water, or other matter, especially by fluid motion or passive means.
Sentence Examples
She gave a diffuse answer.
Layla tried to diffuse the situation.
There were no galaxies or even stars, only diffuse gas.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The new curtains help to ____ the harsh sunlight coming through the window.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She gave a ____ answer.
Word Origin & History
From Middle French diffuser, from Latin diffūsus, past participle of diffundere, from dis- + fundere.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"We do not know by whom the insufficiency of the year of 365 days was first discovered; we find this knowledge diffused among all civilized nations, and various artifices used in making the correction."
— 1837, William Whewell, “Earliest Stages of Astronomy”, in History of the Inductive Sciences, from the Earliest to the Present Times. […], volume I, London: John W[illiam] Parker, […]; Cambridge, Cambridgeshire: J. and J. J. Deighton, →OCLC, book III (History of Greek Astronomy), section 3 (Correction of the Civil Year. (Julian Calendar.)), page 121:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The new curtains help to ____ the harsh sunlight coming through the window.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She gave a ____ answer.