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Diffuse vs Sparse - What's the difference?

diffuse | sparse |

As verbs the difference between diffuse and sparse

is that diffuse is while sparse is (obsolete) to scatter; to disperse.

As an adjective sparse is

having widely spaced intervals.

diffuse

English

Etymology 1

(etyl), from (etyl) diffusus, past participle of

Verb

(diffus)
  • To spread over or through as in air, water, or other matter, especially by fluid motion or passive means.
  • * Whewell
    • We find this knowledge diffused among all civilized nations.
  • To be spread over or through as in air, water, or other matter, especially by fluid motion or passive means.
    • Food coloring diffuses in water.
    The riot diffused quite suddenly.
    Derived terms
    * diffuser

    Etymology 2

    (etyl) diffusus

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Everywhere or throughout everything; not focused or concentrated.
    • Such a diffuse effort is unlikely to produce good results.
    Derived terms
    * diffusely

    Related terms

    * diffusion

    References

    * English heteronyms English transitive verbs ----

    sparse

    English

    Adjective

    (er)
  • Having widely spaced intervals.
  • Not dense; meager.

    • Related terms

    * thin out

    Derived terms

    * sparse array * sparse index * sparse matrix

    Verb

    (spars)
  • (obsolete) To scatter; to disperse.
    • (Spenser)

    Anagrams

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