Master confusing words with ease
Defuse vs. Diffuse
Defuse
/ˌdiːˈfjuːz/Examples:
The quick action by the mediator helped defuse tensions.Humor can often defuse a tense situation.Efforts to defuse the crisis are underway.
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Antonyms:
Diffuse
/dɪˈfjuːs/Examples:
The scientist tried to diffuse the rumors with facts.A soft light diffused through the sheer curtains.Her efforts helped diffuse the tension in the room.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Remember that defuse is associated with calming situations, like removing a fuse from a bomb.
- Diffuse has the idea of spreading out over a large area, like light or a fragrance.
- Think of defuse with de- meaning to do away with danger.
- Diffuse shares more letters with fusion, which can help you remember it's about things mingling and spreading.
- Defuse is often used in tense situations while diffuse is used in descriptions of light or liquids.
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