verb C2 Proficient Uncommon

diffuse

dih-FYOOZ

Diffuse (verb) means to spread something out through a substance or space, or to spread out that way. Example: “The scent of coffee diffused through the whole house.”

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verb

To spread something out through a substance or space, or to spread out that way.

"The scent of coffee diffused through the whole house."

"Tension in the room slowly diffused after the apology."

adjective

Spread out over a wide area rather than concentrated in one place.

"The light from the overcast sky was soft and diffuse."

Wordy and rambling rather than concise.

"His writing style is diffuse and could use some tightening up."

How to use diffuse

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSpread thin over a wide area, or (for writing) padded out and unfocused.

Common mistake

As a verb it is pronounced with a "z" sound (diffuze); as an adjective it is pronounced with an "s" sound (diffuce).

Easily confused with

defuse →

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Singular: diffuses
Past tense: diffused
Comparative: more diffuse
Superlative: most diffuse

Test yourself on “diffuse” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The scent of coffee _____ through the whole house.

Etymology

From Latin diffundere, "to pour out in different directions," from dis- plus fundere, "to pour."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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forspread thin prolix dispersed incompact loose noncompact scattered spaced out sparse uncompact

Antonyms

compact dense

Related words

long little small hard short deep stupid wide

Rhymes for diffuse

use muse ruse fuse abuse mouse cause house louse pause amuse douse

See all rhymes for diffuse →

Frequently asked questions

What does “diffuse” mean?

The word “diffuse” means to spread something out through a substance or space, or to spread out that way. In plain terms, spread thin over a wide area, or (for writing) padded out and unfocused.

How do you pronounce “diffuse”?

“Diffuse” is pronounced dih-FYOOZ (/dɪˈfjuz/ in IPA).

How do you use “diffuse” in a sentence?

Here is “diffuse” used in a sentence: “The scent of coffee diffused through the whole house.”

What is another word for “diffuse”?

Words with a similar meaning to “diffuse” include forspread, thin, prolix, dispersed, incompact and loose.

What is the opposite of “diffuse”?

The opposite of “diffuse” — its antonyms — are compact and dense.

What part of speech is “diffuse”?

Depending on how it is used, “diffuse” can be a verb and an adjective.

Where does the word “diffuse” come from?

The word “diffuse” comes from Latin. From Latin diffundere, "to pour out in different directions," from dis- plus fundere, "to pour.".

Is “diffuse” a common word?

“Diffuse” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

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long little small hard short deep stupid wide