What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Diffuse vs Spreading - What's the difference?

diffuse | spreading |

As verbs the difference between diffuse and spreading

is that diffuse is while spreading is .

As a noun spreading is

the act by which something is spread.

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 ----

    spreading

    English

    Verb

    (head)
  • *{{quote-magazine, date=2013-05-10, author=Audrey Garric
    • , volume=188, issue=22, page=30, magazine=(The Guardian Weekly) citation , passage=As towns continue to grow, replanting vegetation has become a form of urban utopia and green roofs are spreading fast. Last year 1m square metres of plant-covered roofing was built in France, as much as in the US, and 10 times more than in Germany, the pioneer in this field.}}

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • The act by which something is spread.
  • * 1991 , Samuel D. Robbins, Wisconsin Birdlife: Population & Distribution Past & Present (page 579)
    • Small numbers [of meadowlarks] remain on farms in the southern counties throughout the winter, usually relying on fresh manure spreadings for food when snow covers the fields.