Defuse vs Diffuse
defuse
to calm/de-escalate
diffuse
to spread out
How to tell them apart
deFUSE a bomb: pull the FUSE to calm the danger. diFfuse has two F's spreading apart, like something spread out.
Test yourself
Which word fits from context? Pick one, then reveal the answer. This is exactly how the GRE tests these pairs.
Question 1
With a few well-timed jokes, the mediator calmed the rival negotiators and managed to the standoff moments before it exploded into open conflict.
Choose: defuse or diffuse
Show answer
Answer: defuse
"before it exploded into open conflict" invokes the bomb-metaphor of de-escalation = defuse; diffuse (to spread out) cannot take a standoff as its object here.
Question 2
The scent of jasmine began to through the room, gradually reaching every corner until the whole space smelled sweet.
Choose: defuse or diffuse
Show answer
Answer: diffuse
"gradually reaching every corner" signals spreading out = diffuse; defuse (to calm) makes no sense for a scent.
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