diffusely

Meanings

1. 1adverbnot comparabletechnical

   In a spread-out way, not concentrated in one spot, as with light, pain or a substance.

   Grammar: Often modifies a verb or participle: diffusely spread.

   Patterns

   • diffusely spread
   • diffusely distributed

   The lamp lit the room diffusely, with no harsh shadows.

   The pain was felt diffusely across her back.

   Cancer cells had spread diffusely through the tissue.

2. 2adverbnot comparableformal

   In a wordy, rambling way that lacks focus.

   Grammar: Often describes speech or writing: wrote diffusely.

   Patterns

   • write diffusely

   The author writes diffusely, so the main point is lost.

   He explained the plan diffusely and confused everyone.

Common combinations

diffusely distributed

The seeds were diffusely distributed over the field.

diffusely scattered

Clouds were diffusely scattered across the sky.

diffusely illuminated

The studio was diffusely illuminated by large windows.

diffusely enlarged

The scan showed a diffusely enlarged thyroid.

write diffusely

Some students write diffusely when nervous.

Synonyms and how they differ

widely

Means over a large area, not necessarily in a soft or thin way.

sparsely

Means in small numbers and few places, not blended outward.

vaguely

Describes lack of clarity, not spread.

rambling

An adjective for speech that wanders, with a more informal feel.

Word family

diffuse verb

to spread out

diffuse adjective

spread out or wordy

diffuseness noun

the quality of being spread out or wordy

diffusion noun

the process of spreading

diffuser noun

a device that spreads light or scent

Commonly confused: diffusely or defusely?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “diffusely”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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