Dispersed vs Diffused - What's the difference?
dispersed | diffused |
(disperse)
(intransitive) To scatter in different directions
* Bible, Proverbs xv. 7
* Cowper
(intransitive) To break up and disappear; to dissipate
(intransitive) To disseminate
(physics, transitive, intransitive) To separate rays of light etc. according to wavelength; to refract
(intransitive) To distribute throughout
(diffuse)
To spread over or through as in air, water, or other matter, especially by fluid motion or passive means.
* Whewell
To be spread over or through as in air, water, or other matter, especially by fluid motion or passive means.
Everywhere or throughout everything; not focused or concentrated.
As verbs the difference between dispersed and diffused
is that dispersed is (disperse) while diffused is (diffuse).dispersed
English
Verb
(head)disperse
English
Verb
- The Jews are dispersed among all nations.
- The lips of the wise disperse knowledge.
- Two lions, in the still, dark night, / A herd of beeves disperse .
Usage notes
* Do not confuse with the monetary word disburse, despite similarity.Anagrams
* * ----diffused
English
Verb
(head)diffuse
English
Etymology 1
(etyl), from (etyl) diffusus, past participle ofVerb
(diffus)- We find this knowledge diffused among all civilized nations.
- Food coloring diffuses in water.
- The riot diffused quite suddenly.
Derived terms
* diffuserEtymology 2
(etyl) diffususAdjective
(en adjective)- Such a diffuse effort is unlikely to produce good results.