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Profuse vs Diffuse - What's the difference?

profuse | diffuse |

As verbs the difference between profuse and diffuse

is that profuse is (obsolete) to pour out; to give or spend liberally; to lavish; to squander while diffuse is .

As an adjective profuse

is in great quantity or abundance.

profuse

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • In great quantity or abundance.
    • She grew profuse amounts of zucchini and pumpkins.
    profuse''' hospitality; '''profuse''' apologies; '''profuse expenditure
  • * Milton
    • a green, shady bank, profuse of flowers

    Verb

    (profus)
  • (obsolete) To pour out; to give or spend liberally; to lavish; to squander.
    • (Chapman)
    ----

    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 ----