Diffuse
mediumNeutral tonedih-FYOOZ
verb
Definition
to spread out widely; (as adjective) spread out and lacking concentration
Memory hook
DIFfuse: think of poured liquid 'dif-FUSING' apart, spreading in every direction until it's everywhere.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The perfume slowly diffused through the crowded room.”
“New ideas diffused across the network faster than the founders expected.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The perfume slowly ______ through the crowded room.”
Show answer
diffused
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Diffuse is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "disperse" or "scatter" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "concentrate".
Related GRE Words
proliferate
To increase rapidly in numbers; multiply
disseminate
to spread or distribute widely, especially information
itinerant
Traveling from place to place
meander
to wander aimlessly or follow a winding course
meandering
Following a winding course; rambling and unfocused
pervasive
Spreading widely throughout an area or group of people
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