What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
permeating
Example
The smell of fresh bread was permeating the entire bakery. [permeating: verb]
Example
The culture of kindness is slowly permeating the workplace. [permeating: present participle]
diffusing
Example
The sun was diffusing its light across the sky as it set. [diffusing: verb]
Example
The teacher was diffusing the tension in the classroom by cracking a joke. [diffusing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Diffusing is more commonly used than permeating in everyday language, especially in contexts related to emotions or social situations. Permeating is more commonly used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between permeating and diffusing?
Both permeating and diffusing can be used in formal or informal contexts, but permeating is more commonly used in technical or scientific writing, while diffusing is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
