diffusely
|dif-fuse-ly|
/dɪˈfjuːs/
(diffuse)
spread widely
Etymology
'diffuse' originates from Latin, specifically the verb 'diffundere,' where 'dis-' meant 'apart' and 'fundere' meant 'to pour'.
'diffuse' changed from Latin 'diffundere' (and its past participle 'diffusus'), entered English via Old French/Latin influence and Middle English forms, and became the modern English word 'diffuse'.
Initially, it meant 'to pour out or spread apart', and over time it evolved into its current senses of 'spread widely' and 'not concentrated' as well as the figurative sense 'wordy or scattered'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a way that is spread out over a large area; not concentrated or localized.
Light filtered diffusely through the frosted glass, filling the room with a soft glow.
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Adverb 2
in a verbose or scattered manner; lacking concision or clarity (of speech or writing).
He spoke diffusely about his plans, wandering from topic to topic without making a clear point.
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Last updated: 2025/12/05 21:48