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.
Synonyms:
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:
- Defuse contains fuse, which is related to something that needs to be disarmed.
- Think of defuse as taking away the fuse or threat.
- Diffuse has an extra i – imagine the word spreading out, like light or gas dispersing.
- Remember diffuse as something becoming more spread out or widespread, diluting in the process.
- Defuse is closely associated with making a situation safer by removing danger.
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