# diffuse

/dɪfˈjus/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/diffuse
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to spread through a space

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to spread out slowly through a liquid, the air, or a large area.

For teachers: to spread or scatter widely; in physics, the movement of particles from an area of high concentration to low concentration.

- The smell of fresh coffee began to diffuse through the entire house.
- The dye will diffuse through the water until the liquid reaches a uniform shade of blue.

Usage: Used both transitively (to diffuse something) and intransitively (something diffuses).

### 3. wordy

adjective · CEFR C2 · Formal · Academic

using too many words to explain something.

For teachers: using more words than necessary; lacking conciseness in speech or writing.

- His writing style is quite diffuse, making it hard to find his main point.
- The professor's diffuse lecture style often led the class far away from the original topic of discussion.

## Examples

- The scent of the flowers began to diffuse through the room.
- The new management structure aims to diffuse decision-making power across all regional offices rather than keeping it at headquarters.
- In a process of cultural exchange, technological innovations often diffuse across borders, eventually becoming integrated into the daily lives of populations far from the original source.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.