diffuse

To spread gradually through air, water, or another substance.

• The dye diffuses slowly.
• Oxygen diffused through the thin membrane.
• The scent began to diffuse through the room.

How to use it: diffuse through something (The gas diffuses through the membrane.); diffuse into something (The dye diffused into the surrounding water.)

Similar words: spread, disperse

Common phrases: diffuse through something, diffuse into something

To spread something over a wider area or through a substance.

• The shade diffuses the light.
• The device diffused a pleasant scent throughout the office.
• Thin curtains diffuse sunlight across the room.

How to use it: diffuse something through something (The fan diffuses warm air through the room.)

Similar words: spread, disperse, scatter

Opposites: concentrate

Common phrases: diffuse light, diffuse something through something

Spread over a wide area or period, without a clear center or focus.

• The room had soft, diffuse light.
• He described a diffuse pain across his back.
• Their diffuse efforts produced little progress.

Similar words: spread out, scattered, unfocused

Opposites: concentrated, focused

Common phrases: diffuse light, diffuse pain, diffuse influence