diffuse
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.”
How to use diffuse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSpread thin over a wide area, or (for writing) padded out and unfocused.
As a verb it is pronounced with a "z" sound (diffuze); as an adjective it is pronounced with an "s" sound (diffuce).
Word forms
more diffuse comparative, diffused past tense, diffuses singular, most diffuse superlative
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."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for diffuse
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.