What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
perfuse
Example
The doctor will perfuse the patient's heart with a special solution during the surgery. [perfuse: verb]
Example
The flowers were perfused with a fragrant oil to enhance their scent. [perfused: past participle]
diffuse
Example
The sun's rays diffuse through the clouds and light up the sky. [diffuse: verb]
Example
The speaker's message was difficult to follow due to his diffuse style of speaking. [diffuse: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Diffuse is more commonly used than perfuse in everyday language, and it is more versatile and can be used in various contexts. Perfuse is less common and more technical, and it is mostly used in medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between perfuse and diffuse?
Both perfuse and diffuse are formal words, but perfuse is more technical and specialized, and therefore more likely to be used in formal or scientific contexts, while diffuse is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
