diffuse

//dɪˈfjuːz//
C1Frequency Level 12Formal
Visual representation of diffuse

Verb

diffuseInfinitive
diffusePresent tense
diffusedPast tense
diffusedPast participle
diffusingPresent participle
diffusesThird-person singular
1

To spread or cause to spread over a wide area or among a large number of people.

The internet has helped diffuse knowledge to people around the world.

2

To become or cause to become intermingled by movement of particles, especially in a liquid or gas.

The ink diffused slowly through the water.

Adjective

diffuseCanonical form
1

Spread out over a large area; not concentrated.

The population in this region is diffuse, with villages scattered across the countryside.

2

Lacking clarity or conciseness; verbose or wordy.

His diffuse writing style made the report difficult to follow.

3

(Of light) softly scattered in many directions; not harsh or glaring.

The diffuse light from the cloudy sky created a soft atmosphere in the room.