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.

Inform vs Suffuse - What's the difference?

inform | suffuse |

In transitive terms the difference between inform and suffuse

is that inform is to give form or character to; to inspire (with a given quality); to affect, influence (with a pervading principle, idea etc.) while suffuse is to spread through or over something, especially as a liquid, colour or light; to perfuse.

As verbs the difference between inform and suffuse

is that inform is to instruct, train (usually in matters of knowledge) while suffuse is to spread through or over something, especially as a liquid, colour or light; to perfuse.

As an adjective inform

is without regular form; shapeless; ugly; deformed.

inform

English

Etymology 1

From (etyl) informen, enformen, from (etyl) enformer, .

Alternative forms

* (l) (obsolete)

Verb

(en verb)
  • (archaic) To instruct, train (usually in matters of knowledge).
  • To communicate knowledge to.
  • * Spenser
    • For he would learn their business secretly, / And then inform his master hastily.
  • * Shakespeare
    • I am informed thoroughly of the cause.
  • To impart information or knowledge.
  • To act as an informer; denounce.
  • To give form or character to; to inspire (with a given quality); to affect, influence (with a pervading principle, idea etc.).
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-07, author=(Gary Younge)
    • , volume=188, issue=26, page=18, magazine=(The Guardian Weekly) , title= Hypocrisy lies at heart of Manning prosecution , passage=WikiLeaks did not cause these uprisings but it certainly informed them. The dispatches revealed details of corruption and kleptocracy that many Tunisians suspected, but could not prove, and would cite as they took to the streets.}}
  • * Dryden
    • Let others better mould the running mass / Of metals, and inform the breathing brass.
  • * Prior
    • Breath informs this fleeting frame.
  • (obsolete) To make known, wisely and/or knowledgeably.
  • (obsolete) To direct, guide.
  • (archaic) To take form; to become visible or manifest; to appear.
  • * Shakespeare
    • It is the bloody business which informs / Thus to mine eyes.
    Synonyms
    * acquaint, apprise, notify * (act as informer) dob, name names, peach, snitch
    Derived terms
    * informant * information * informative * informatory * informed * informer * misinform * uninformed

    Etymology 2

    (etyl) (lena) informis

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Without regular form; shapeless; ugly; deformed.
    • (Cotton)

    Anagrams

    *

    suffuse

    English

    Verb

    (suffus)
  • To spread through or over something, especially as a liquid, colour or light; to perfuse.
    • The entire room was suffused with a golden light.
  • (figuratively) To spread through or over in the manner of a liquid.
    • The warmth suffused his cold fingers.

    Usage notes

    The verb is often used in the passive voice.

    Synonyms

    * diffuse

    Derived terms

    * suffusion * suffusive ----