diffuse

CEFRC1

/dɪˈfjuːz/

verb · adjective

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    verb

    To spread something widely through an area.

  2. 02

    adjective

    Spread out and not concentrated in one place.

Examples

  • There were no galaxies or even stars, only diffuse gas.

  • Layla tried to diffuse the situation.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
2
Citations
1
Synonyms
5

Also pronounced

  • /dɪˈfjuːs/
  • /dɪˈfjus/

Deep Dive

verb

Extra meanings

  1. Everywhere or throughout everything; not focused or concentrated.

  2. To be spread over or through as in air, water, or other matter, especially by fluid motion or passive means.

  3. To spread (something) over or through as in air, water, or other matter, especially by fluid motion or passive means.

More examples

In context

  • She gave a diffuse answer.

  • Ideas are easily diffused with the help of technology.

  • The small window diffuses light throughout the room.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

The new curtains help to blank the harsh sunlight coming through the window.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

verb

From Middle French diffuser, from Latin diffūsus, past participle of diffundere, from dis- + fundere.