diffuse
/dɪˈfjuːz/
Group 13Difficulty 2/3
Definitions
- (adjective)
- Spread out over a large area; not concentrated GRE
- (verb)
- To spread or cause to spread over a wide area GRE
Example in Context
The organization's diffuse structure, with autonomous chapters across thirty countries, made centralized coordination nearly impossible.
Synonyms
spread outscatteredwordy
Etymology
To spread out or pour over a large area.
- diffundere (Latin) — to pour out
Memory Aid
💨Sounds like “diff use”
Picture a confused scientist saying 'DIFF USE!' as a gas escapes from a container and fills the whole room — it’s DIFFUSE!
Visual Association
🌫️A fog rolling over a wide landscape, enveloping everything in a soft, blurry haze.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “diffuse” mean on the GRE?
diffuse (adjective) means “Spread out over a large area; not concentrated”. The organization's diffuse structure, with autonomous chapters across thirty countries, made centralized coordination nearly impossible.
How to remember “diffuse” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “diffuse” sounds like “diff use”. Picture a confused scientist saying 'DIFF USE!' as a gas escapes from a container and fills the whole room — it’s DIFFUSE!
What are synonyms for “diffuse”?
Common synonyms: spread out, scattered, wordy.