Basic Details
Word: Diffuse
Part of Speech: Verb (can also be an adjective)
Meaning: To spread out over a wide area or to scatter in different directions.
Synonyms: Disperse, disseminate, spread
Antonyms: Concentrate, gather
Idioms and Phrases
- Diffuse responsibility: To spread the blame or accountability across many people. Example: "In a group project, it's easy to diffuse responsibility among team members."
- Diffuse tension: To ease or reduce stress or anxiety in a situation. Example: "The teacher told a joke to diffuse tension after the heated discussion in class."
Usage Examples
Example 1: When the perfume was sprayed, the scent began to diffuse throughout the room, creating a pleasant atmosphere.
Example 2: The sunlight started to diffuse through the clouds, illuminating the landscape with a warm glow.
Example 3: Scientists studied how the chemicals would diffuse in water, hoping to find a safer way to clean up spills.
Fun Fact
The word "diffuse" comes from the Latin word "diffundere," which means "to pour out." This relates to how something can spread out or scatter from a central point, just like pouring water onto a surface.
Famous Quote
"The strongest man in the world is the man who stands alone." - Henry David Thoreau. This suggests that it is often easier to diffuse ones strength among many than to stand alone in ones convictions.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "diffuse" mean?
a) To gather together
b) To spread out or scatter
c) To create a problem
d) To make a plan
Answer: b) To spread out or scatter
2. Which of these is a synonym of "diffuse"?
a) Gather
b) Concentrate
c) Disperse
d) Hide
Answer: c) Disperse
3. Which is an antonym of "diffuse"?
a) Spread
b) Scatter
c) Concentrate
d) Disperse
Answer: c) Concentrate
4. Which sentence uses "diffuse" correctly?
a) The sun began to diffuse its heat across the land.
b) The cat will diffuse itself on the chair.
c) She tried to diffuse the balloon.
d) He decided to diffuse his homework.
Answer: a) The sun began to diffuse its heat across the land.
5. What does it mean to "diffuse tension"?
a) To increase stress
b) To ignore the problem
c) To lessen the stress in a situation
d) To create conflict
Answer: c) To lessen the stress in a situation
