diffuse
Disperse in all directions
Diffuse describes something spread out or scattered rather than concentrated.
Light can be diffuse when it scatters softly rather than shining directly: diffuse afternoon sunlight filtered through the curtains.
A diffuse argument lacks focus.
As a verb, to diffuse is to spread or scatter: The scent diffused through the room.
Often confused with defuse, which means to remove a fuse or reduce tension.
Cause to spread apart
- propagateSpread or breed further
- circulateMove in a loop
- disseminateSpread information widely
- radiateSend forth rays
permeate · scatter · distribute · transmit · pervade · penetrate · seep · osmosis
Spread widely apart
- disseminatedSpread widely abroad
- spreadTo distribute widely
- scatteredSpread irregularly about
- strewnSpread irregularly about
distributed · sprinkled · peppered · dotted · interspersed · broadcast · sown · flung
Spread through entirely
- osmosisSolvent crossing semipermeable barrier
- membraneThin tissue sheet
- gradientRate of change across space
- molecularOf tiny particles
particles · vapor · aerosol · dispersion · Brownian · permeable · equilibrium · concentration
Made less capable
- watered-downReduced in strength
- thinnedReduced in concentration
- attenuatedLessened in force
- dilutedMade weaker by adding liquid
reduced · tempered · dispersed · dissolved · dissipated · concentrate · solution · suspension
Yielding to touch
- filteredScreened to remove contaminants
- ambientOf the surroundings
- gentleSoft and kind
- indirectNot straight or immediate
subdued · muted · glowing · luminous · hazy · gauzy · veiled · translucent
Without clear direction
- ramblingLong-winded and unfocused
- meanderingFollowing a winding course
- verboseMore words than necessary
- wordyUsing more language than necessary
long-winded · discursive · digressive · wandering · prolix · unclear · disorganized · scattered
disperse
Cause to spread apart
- propagateSpread or breed further
- circulateMove in a loop
- disseminateSpread information widely
radiate · permeate · scatter · distribute · transmit · pervade · penetrate · seep · osmosis · percolate
dispersed
Spread widely apart
- disseminatedSpread widely abroad
- spreadTo distribute widely
- scatteredSpread irregularly about
strewn · distributed · sprinkled · peppered · dotted · interspersed · broadcast · sown · flung · littered
permeate
Spread through entirely
- osmosisSolvent crossing semipermeable barrier
- membraneThin tissue sheet
- gradientRate of change across space
molecular · particles · vapor · aerosol · dispersion · Brownian · permeable · equilibrium · concentration · flux
weakened
Made less capable
- watered-downReduced in strength
- thinnedReduced in concentration
- attenuatedLessened in force
diluted · reduced · tempered · dispersed · dissolved · dissipated · concentrate · solution · suspension · saturation
soft
Yielding to touch
indirect · subdued · muted · glowing · luminous · hazy · gauzy · veiled · translucent · backlit
unfocused
Without clear direction
- ramblingLong-winded and unfocused
- meanderingFollowing a winding course
- verboseMore words than necessary
wordy · long-winded · discursive · digressive · wandering · prolix · unclear · disorganized · scattered · incoherent
- oil diffuserDisperses aromatic oils airborne
- diffused lightIllumination scattered evenly everywhere
- essential oil diffuserDisperses fragrant plant concentrates
- diffuse lightLight spread evenly, not direct
- reed diffuserOil-wicking fragrance dispenser
- diffuse reflectionLight dispersed by rough surfaces
diffusion, diffused, diffuses, diffusing, diffuser, diffusely, diffuseness, diffusers, diffusive